Iranian vice president says 70 percent oppose internet curbs amid blackout

“Iranian vice president says 70 percent oppose internet curbs amid blackout A senior Iranian official has acknowledged widespread public dissatisfaction to internet restrictions, as a prolonged blackout continues across the country. Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, vice president for executive affairs under President Masoud Pezeshkian, said a survey by the Presidential Center found that 70 percent of Iranians are dissatisfied with the curbs. Speaking in comments carried by Mehr news agency, he signalled the need for a policy shift, warning against reliance on restrictions. “Iran’s ‘sustainable policy should not remain on restricting the internet.’” Iran has faced a near-total internet shutdown for more than 80 days, severely limiting access to communication and information. Ghaempanah said the restrictions have failed to achieve their intended aims, while driving users towards circumvention tools. “Comprehensive communication restrictions do not lead to the right results. The use of filter breakers and tools has allowed hostile networks and services to operate, so that enemy agents, opportunistically exploiting communication restrictions, have used alternative tools on the path of chaos and betrayal of the people,” he said.

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