Telegram Must Respect Iran’s Rules as in France
WANA (Nov 02) – A member of Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace stated that Telegram must comply with the laws of the Islamic Republic, just as it does with countries like France.
In recent weeks, negotiations between Iran’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology and the Telegram messaging platform have begun, following a 32-clause resolution passed by the Supreme Council of Cyberspace in December 2024.
Rasoul Jalili, a real member of the Council, stated that the resolution was approved on December 24, 2024, with the goal of ensuring lawful access to foreign platforms.
“As a member of the Council, I fully support the implementation of these 32 clauses and insist that all stages be carried out exactly as approved,” he said, noting that the Ministry of ICT and other agencies may implement some measures in parallel.
Iran Sets Conditions for Telegram’s Reopening After 2018 Ban
WANA (Nov 01) – Iran has set specific conditions for lifting the ban on Telegram, the popular messaging platform blocked in 2018 over national security and legal concerns. According to reports, Iran’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology has begun talks with Telegram under a resolution by the Supreme Council of Cyberspace. The […]
Jalili explained that the resolution outlines strategic policies for lawful governance of cyberspace and protection of domestic platforms. He added that although he is not directly involved in the follow-up committee, he has received indirect information that has raised concerns.
“I worry that an agreement might be signed that includes mechanisms similar to a ‘snapback mechanism,’ undermining Iran’s sovereignty over cyberspace,” he cautioned.
“The main point,” Jalili continued, “is that Telegram must treat the Islamic Republic of Iran the same way it treats the French government and others. Other countries have taken digital governance seriously — demanding Telegram’s accountability regarding terrorism, social norms, and content responsibility — and Telegram has complied.”
He stressed the necessity of negotiations with foreign platforms where Iranians are active, but added that “national governance must also be enforced to ensure user safety and enable judicial and law enforcement bodies to protect citizens’ rights.” However, he noted that “it is still too early to judge the outcome of these talks.”
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Jalili outlined key points that must be considered in any potential agreement with Telegram:
- Iranian user data must be stored within the country.
- Telegram should appoint a formal legal representative in Iran to respond to judicial and regulatory authorities.
- Advertising on Telegram must comply with Iranian laws.
- Financial transactions must be conducted under Central Bank regulations and be subject to taxation, including value-added tax.
- Telegram must cooperate in cases involving smuggling or illegal activities, and any dispute resolution must be governed by Iranian law with clear enforcement mechanisms.
“These are critical questions that need careful negotiation,” Jalili said. “Any agreement represents an accord between the Iranian government and an international company and must reflect the dignity of the Iranian nation. Past experiences with some Western countries have shown that mistakes in such negotiations can have serious consequences, so utmost caution is needed.”
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WANA (August 07) – The extensive use of VPNs and the ongoing internet filtering policies have turned Iran into a global heaven for hackers. Since the autumn of 2022, the use of VPNs in Iran has tripled. On average, each Iranian user spends 4 hours daily using VPNs. Statistics indicate that the national internet […]
He warned that if negotiations proceed without firm guarantees and Telegram is unaccountable, lifting the current ban without a legal framework could create problems for governance, law enforcement, and user security. “Reliable assurances and full transparency are essential,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed claims that the government had reached any agreement with Telegram. He underscored that, according to the Supreme Council of Cyberspace’s resolution, any foreign platform wishing to operate in Iran must accept domestic rules and regulations.
Ghalibaf added that a nine-member supervisory committee has been established within the Council to monitor compliance with these regulations. “I urge everyone not to spread false or misleading information,” he said. “The Council’s decisions are clear: if a platform refuses to follow Iran’s domestic regulations, it will not receive permission to operate.”
Telegram. Social media/ WANA News Agency
