Iran: Government orders shutdown of Telegram app April 30 /update 1

Event

The Iranian government ordered the shutdown of the Telegram messaging app in the country on Monday, April 30, amid recent widespread protests over various causes that have been organized in cities across the country. The Iranian government ordered telecommunications providers to block the app, citing that the platform facilitated the organization of protests in December 2017 and January 2018, and has enabled Islamic State-related activities in the country. As of Monday, the app was still working in Iran. Access to the app may be restricted in Iran in the coming days.

Context

Some 40 million Iranians reportedly use Telegram to communicate, and has gained users in the country due to its perception of being outside the scope of government monitoring of communications.

Iranian authorities initially blocked Telegram and Instagram in early January amid widespread nationwide protests that had sprung up in late December; demonstrators were using the online platforms to organize gatherings. These protests - which began in Mashhad but quickly spread across Iran to denounce high prices, the state's economic policies, high unemployment, and perceived government corruption - were the largest such demonstrations expressing public dissatisfaction with the economic and sociopolitical status quo since the Green Movement protests of 2009. At least 25 people were killed and almost 5000 demonstrators arrested during the protests.

Advice

Individuals in Iran are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all local regulations and instructions issued by the authorities and their home governments.