Block on virtual private networks (VPNs) that allow access to the network bypassing the state filter. The move comes ahead of presidential elections in June and recalling the role played by tools such as Facebook in the 2009 '"Green Wave" movement.

Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Iranian authorities decision to block "virtual private networks",  VPNs, that allow access to bypassing government internet filters is being seen as a "preventive" move ahead of presidential elections this June.

The Iranian Constitution Article .34 in fact permits the State to restrict freedom of expression, declaring, "Publications and the press have freedom of expression except when there is infringement of the basic tenets of Islam or public rights."  But neither "the general principles of Islam," nor "public rights" are constitutionally defined, which allows authorities to interpret them according to their wishes. It is a widespread filter system that prevents access to sites deemed "offensive or criminal".

Confirming yesterday blocking of VPN, Ramezanali Sobhani-Fard, the head of parliament's information and communications technology committee, said that "only legal and registered VPN scan from now on be used."

The authorities move is related to the June presidential elections, given what happened in 2009, when the previous vote that saw President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad re-elected. A result widely disputed - also dogged by allegations of fraud - which saw mass demonstrations of the "Green Wave" movement (pictured). Tools such as Facebook were used by the protesters to pass information on public protests.

The harsh repression seems to have virtually suppressed the Green Wave movement, but apparently the authorities still believe it is simmering beneath the surface and will do anything to prevent it from reigniting.

 

 

• iran
• internet
• curb
• VPN
• green
• wave
• movement
• freedom
• of
• speech
• elections