Censorship in Iran
Censorship in Iran is very strict. In 2024, Iran was ranked among the world’s most restricted countries for the press. Reporters Without Borders placed it 176th out of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index, and Freedom House called Iran “not free” for political rights and civil liberties.
The government controls the internet and blocks many sites. Social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are banned, along with YouTube, Netflix, Blogger, and other popular sites. Some Iranian politicians still use social networks to speak to people, but others are blocked. Iran’s online system works like a national firewall. The National Information Network (NIN) helps authorities monitor and control online traffic, especially during protests. When censorship tightens, it becomes harder to post videos or access information.
When YouTube was blocked, Iranians turned to Aparat, a local video site. In 2020, Aparat’s CEO was sentenced to 10 years in prison because of something a user did on the platform. Many Iranians still connect to the internet using VPNs or other tools to get around blocks. In November 2019, after fuel protests, Iran shut down much of its internet to stop people from organizing. The government has sometimes talked about loosening restrictions, such as in 2024, but it also has moments of tightening control. In 2025, after an attack on Iran, authorities reportedly ordered a major internet blackout and asked people to delete WhatsApp, though WhatsApp denied this.
After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, known as the Ershad, controls culture. Musicians, writers, artists, and media makers must get permits, and the Ershad decides what can be shown or shared. Journalists also need licenses, which can be taken away if they criticize the state. Censorship is not just one rule; it’s a process that involves negotiation and self-censorship. Criticism of the Supreme Leader is strictly prohibited, and those who disobey can be punished.
Iran’s constitution has several rules about information, but many are vague. Article 24 says publications have freedom of expression except when it harms Islam or public rights, yet there are no clear details. The Press Law and other laws give some freedoms to the press but include broad exceptions, so officials can decide what is allowed. Penal provisions also punish “propaganda” against the regime, but the term is not clearly defined, leaving room for punishment.
Censorship in Iran tends to come in waves, often during crises. In the 1950s, censorship helped protect the Shah’s image during oil nationalization. In the 1970s, censorship increased as the revolution approached. After the 2009 elections, authorities shut down communications to curb protests. In the early 2000s, internet use grew quickly, helping people share ideas, but the government also tightened blocks on porn, anti-religion sites, games, and social networks. Films are edited to remove content considered inappropriate, and some dialogue is rewritten to fit Islamic norms.
There have been notable crackdowns on students and journalists. For example, in 2007 some student activists were arrested after university protests. Distributing certain religious literature, like Christian materials in Persian, is also restricted.
Many Iranians still watch satellite channels, despite bans, and foreign radio broadcasts are sometimes jammed. Overall, censorship in Iran aims to limit information and maintain political control, shaping what people can read, watch, and say.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 06:39 (CET).