This week twitter users are angry about proposed internet protection bill that is being debated in Iranian parliament. The Bill will restrict internet access and threatens instagram one of the only western social media companies not blocked by the Islamic Republic.
However the problem is that many Iranians rely on instagram as a platform for e-commerce where they can earn money. At the moment the economy is in such a bad state that this is the only form of income for many peoples. What will happen if protection bill cancels Instagram?
Although it might still be possible to access instagram with VPN the bill would restrict this access so maybe not. Even if VPNs can still work instagram is much more popular in Iran than other banned networks which need a VPN like twitter and facebook. Will people still use instagram if it is not easily accessible? Maybe not, especially when also having to fight against power outages and internet blackouts.
The Iranian government has never liked free access to internet because it exposes their abuses and criticisms. However they have no problem using banned networks when it suits them as Khamenei has twitter. New president Raisi also created a twitter account during the election!
I hope that this protection bill never gets passed. It would be devastating for people and economy but the leaders want to keep peoples down on their knees.
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