Fact Check: Iran previously banned WhatsApp during protests against the government.

Fact Check: "Iran previously banned WhatsApp during protests against the government."

What We Know

In September 2022, the Iranian government imposed a ban on WhatsApp and other applications, including Instagram, amid widespread protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody. This ban was part of a broader crackdown on social media platforms that the government believed could facilitate dissent and mobilization against its authority (TIME, Al Jazeera). The ban was lifted in December 2024, following a period of unrest and government promises to enhance internet freedom (TIME, The Hill).

During the protests, the Iranian authorities expressed concerns that these platforms were being used to organize and amplify dissent against the government. The Iranian state media claimed that WhatsApp was being utilized for espionage by foreign entities, particularly Israel, leading to calls for residents to delete the app (TIME, Al Jazeera).

Analysis

The claim that Iran previously banned WhatsApp during protests is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The timeline of events aligns with the protests that erupted in response to Amini's death, which were significant enough to prompt the Iranian government to restrict access to various social media platforms (TIME, Al Jazeera).

The reliability of the sources cited is high, as they include established news organizations like TIME and Al Jazeera, which have a track record of reporting on international affairs and human rights issues. Additionally, the information is corroborated by reports from other media outlets, such as The Hill, which also noted the ban and its context (The Hill).

While the Iranian government's rationale for the ban—citing privacy and security concerns—has been met with skepticism, particularly from WhatsApp itself, the fact remains that the ban was enacted during a period of significant civil unrest (TIME, Al Jazeera). The lack of concrete evidence provided by the Iranian state to support its claims against WhatsApp further underscores the political motivations behind the ban (TIME).

Conclusion

The claim that Iran previously banned WhatsApp during protests against the government is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the Iranian government did indeed impose a ban on WhatsApp in September 2022 as part of its efforts to control dissent during a significant period of civil unrest. This action aligns with a broader pattern of internet censorship in Iran, particularly during times of political instability.

Fact Check: Iran previously banned WhatsApp during protests against the government.