Washington, DC – A spokesperson for Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, said the company has implemented additional security measures on its social networks to protect Iranian users within the country. This is given the escalating security risks faced by activists and journalists.
In an exclusive response to a question from Radio Farda regarding the steps taken to protect the security of Iranian users, the spokesperson explained that Meta, “recognizing the risk of violence against activists and journalists,” has implemented measures to prevent unauthorized access to user accounts. Particularly, in cases where account holders may be at risk of arrest or prosecution for their activism, these protections are crucial.
Blocking follower lists inside Iran
The spokesperson emphasized that the primary purpose of Facebook and Instagram platforms is to connect citizens across borders, facilitate information sharing, and provide a platform for them to “make their voices heard.”
He noted that the company intervenes when it becomes clear that users’ activities could put them at direct risk.
And he added, “When we become aware of the arrest or imprisonment of human rights defenders
for their activism, we take steps to prevent unauthorized access to their accounts,
as we did in the case of the Iranian protests.”
He pointed out that Meta has clear policies to protect users at risk of violence.
This includes cases where extracting account content or follower data could endanger activists. In this context,
the follower lists of some users inside Iran have recently been blocked.
Meanwhile, there are increasing reports of the Islamic Republic’s security services monitoring citizens’ phones and accounts.
Cyberattacks against activists and journalists
These measures coincided with frequent reports of security clashes, threats, and arrests.
There were also cyberattacks attributed to Iranian intelligence agencies against activists and journalists critical of the authorities.
May Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, had previously accused the Islamic Republic of using various methods to suppress dissent,
including death threats, attempts to steal information, smear campaigns, and cyberattacks.
Sato explained that, through her contact with victims of the crackdown,
she had learned that many of them face ongoing online threats, cyberattacks, and the theft of their personal data.
In the latest development, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency accused Iranian intelligence services
In the latest development, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency accused Iranian intelligence services of
conducting cyber espionage activities targeting Iranian protesters residing in Germany.
This reflects the expanding reach of these activities beyond Iran’s borders.
