Iranian MP Masoud Pezeshkian says while the world moves towards AI, Iran is regressing amid widening internet crackdowns.

Pezeshkian warned about the potential consequences of insisting on such restrictions, stating, "If we continue in this way, in the not-too-distant future, we will create a country that will have a significant gap with the advanced world. We always focus on the wrong uses of the internet, while we should not deprive good individuals because of the wrongdoings of some."

Internet restrictions in Iran have gradually increased since President Ebrahim Raisi assumed office in 2021. Although initiated during the previous governments, the measures have gained renewed momentum under the current administration, ramped up further since the Women, LIfe, Freedom movement began last year.

The representative of Tabriz underscored that society should not suffer due to the undesirable actions of a few individuals. He argued, "People use the internet in various ways, and the restrictions only increase the concerns and frustrations of the people. Instead, we should always embrace innovations and strive to be pioneers."

Iran has a history of imposing strict censorship measures on internet access over the past two decades, limiting citizens' access to free information. This includes the blocking of numerous foreign and domestic websites, including reputable news outlets. Despite the restrictions, many Iranians have been using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and anti-filtering software to circumvent these limitations.

Major social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, X, and Telegram remain inaccessible without the use of anti-filtering software and VPNs.