Iran Engages in Discussions with Telegram to Lift Ban, Reports Mehr News Agency

Iran Engages in Discussions to Unblock Messaging Platforms

Published: October 31, 2025

Negotiations Underway with Telegram and Other Platforms

Tehran has commenced discussions with Telegram and several other Social Media platforms, aiming to secure their adherence to a set of conditions that would pave the way for lifting existing restrictions. The Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) is leading the talks, according to reports from the Mehr news agency released on Wednesday.

Conditions for Unblocking: A Focus on Sovereignty and Security

The Iranian government is demanding that these platforms align with stipulations outlined earlier in the year by the Supreme Council of Cyberspace. Key demands include unwavering compliance with Iran’s national security protocols, respect for its sovereignty, reinforcement of the rule of law, and a commitment to avoiding harm to domestic Social Media entities.

The Resolution has established a clear protocol, designating specific members of the cyberspace watchdog to lead the negotiation process, with the ICT ministry taking primary duty.

Ancient Context: The 2018 ban and Continued Usage

In 2018, Iranian authorities imposed a ban on Telegram and other foreign messaging services, citing concerns that these platforms were being exploited to instigate violence during anti-government demonstrations and pose a threat to national security. Despite the official prohibition, these applications have maintained notable popularity within Iran, with many citizens circumventing restrictions through the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Platform	Year blocked	Reason for Blocking
Telegram	2018	Inciting Violence, national security Concerns
Other Foreign Messengers	2018	Inciting Violence, national Security Concerns

Did You know? VPN usage in Iran has reportedly surged as the 2018 ban, with estimates suggesting millions of users actively employ these tools to access blocked content.

Pro Tip: Understanding the geopolitical context is crucial when evaluating digital policy changes in Iran. The current move reflects a complex interplay of security concerns, domestic political considerations, and the evolving digital landscape.

The Broader Implications of Digital Control

Iran’s approach to regulating access to information and digital platforms is part of a larger global trend. Several nations grapple with balancing national security interests and freedom of expression online.The use of VPNs and other circumvention tools highlights the ongoing challenge authorities face in controlling the digital sphere. Governments around the world are increasingly scrutinizing the role of Social Media in political discourse and civic engagement, leading to debates about censorship, data privacy and online accountability. According to Statista, global VPN usage is projected to reach over 675 million users by 2027, demonstrating the increasing demand for online privacy and access to restricted content.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Iran’s primary concern regarding messaging apps? Iran’s main concern is the potential for these apps to be used for inciting violence or threatening national security.
• When did Iran initially block Telegram and other platforms? The initial blocking occurred in 2018.
• Are VPNs commonly used in Iran? Yes, VPNs are widely used by Iranians to circumvent the blocks on Social Media platforms.
• What conditions must the apps meet to be unblocked? Platforms must comply with Iran’s national security requirements,respect its sovereignty,and avoid harming domestic platforms.
• What role does the Supreme Council of Cyberspace play? The Council outlined the stipulations for unblocking the apps and established a negotiation protocol.

What are your thoughts on Iran’s approach to controlling access to information? Do you think lifting restrictions on messaging apps will improve the situation?

Share your opinions in the comments below!

what specific content moderation policies is Telegram proposing to address Iranian legal concerns?

Background: The 2018 Telegram Ban in Iran

In January 2018, Iran implemented a nationwide ban on Telegram, one of the most popular messaging apps in the country. The official reasoning cited national security concerns and the app’s alleged role in facilitating protests. However, the ban also coincided with a broader effort by the Iranian government to promote domestically developed messaging applications. This move impacted over 50 million Iranian users at the time, forcing them to migrate to choice platforms like Soroush, iGap, and Telegram’s proxy servers to circumvent the restrictions. The ban sparked significant public outcry and criticism regarding freedom of information and digital rights within Iran. The initial justification focused on combating “harmful content” and preventing the spread of misinformation, particularly during periods of social unrest.

Mehr News Agency report: renewed talks with Telegram

According to a recent report by Iran’s state-run Mehr News agency, Iranian authorities are currently engaged in discussions with representatives from Telegram regarding a potential lifting of the ban. The report, published on October 31, 2025, indicates that these talks are focused on addressing the concerns that initially led to the ban, specifically relating to content moderation and data security. While details remain scarce, sources suggest that Telegram has presented proposals to ensure compliance with Iranian regulations.

The Mehr News Agency report highlights the following key points:

* Focus on Content Control: Discussions center around Telegram’s ability to effectively monitor and remove content deemed illegal or harmful under Iranian law.

* Data Localization: A key demand from the Iranian side is highly likely to involve data localization – storing user data within Iran’s borders.

* Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism: Iranian officials are seeking assurances that Telegram will actively cooperate in identifying and removing content related to terrorist organizations.

* Potential for a Phased Reintroduction: The possibility of a phased reintroduction of Telegram is being considered, perhaps with restrictions on certain features.

Implications for Iranian Internet Users

A potential lifting of the Telegram ban would have significant implications for Iranian internet users.

* Increased Access to Information: Telegram served as a crucial platform for news dissemination, political discourse, and social networking before the ban. Reinstating access would broaden access to information for millions.

* Economic impact: Many Iranian businesses and entrepreneurs relied on Telegram for interaction with customers and marketing their products. Lifting the ban could stimulate economic activity.

* Social Connectivity: Telegram facilitated communication between iranians both within the country and with the diaspora abroad. Reinstatement would strengthen these connections.

* Competition in the Messaging App Market: The ban allowed domestic messaging apps to gain prominence. Lifting the ban would reintroduce competition and potentially challenge the dominance of these local platforms.

The Role of VPNs and circumvention tools

Throughout the ban,many Iranians continued to access Telegram using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and proxy servers. The use of VPNs has become widespread in Iran, driven by the desire to bypass censorship and access blocked websites and applications. While the government has attempted to restrict VPN usage,it remains a popular method for circumventing internet restrictions. The continued reliance on VPNs demonstrates the strong demand for unrestricted access to information and communication platforms. This also highlights the limitations of simply banning applications, as tech-savvy users will always find ways to bypass restrictions.

Telegram’s response and Future Outlook

As of October 31, 2025, Telegram has not issued an official statement confirming the ongoing discussions. Though, sources close to the company indicate a willingness to engage with Iranian authorities to find a solution that addresses their concerns while upholding user privacy and freedom of expression.

The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain. several factors could influence the decision, including:

* Political Considerations: The Iranian government’s stance on internet freedom and control.

* Security concerns: The perceived threat posed by Telegram to national security.

* Technical Feasibility: Telegram’s ability to implement the required content moderation and data localization measures.

* Public Opinion: The level of public support for lifting the ban.

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