The Department of Treasury announced Friday that it would help expand internet access to Iranians, most of whom have been cut off from the internet by their government amid its violent crackdown on peaceful protests.
Women hold up drawings of Iranian Mahsa Amini during a protest against her death, outside Iran's general consulate in Istanbul on Sept. 21, 2022. | Francisco Seco/AP PhotoThe Department of Treasury announced Friday it was updating guidance to expand internet service to Iranians, most of whom have been cut off from the internet by their own government amid its violent crackdown on peaceful protests.
The police’s violent clashes with protesters continued Friday, with State TV suggesting on Thursday that the death toll from the unrest could be as high as 26 people. The new guidance will offer more options of secure internet platforms and services. The new license addresses a range of internet freedom issues, such as adding covered categories of software and services including social media platforms and video conferencing, as well as providing additional authorization for communication tools “to assist ordinary Iranians in resisting repressive internet censorship.
A senior Treasury official said on a call with reporters on Friday that the department will endeavor in the coming weeks to issue additional guidance to help businesses and NGOs take advantage of the new authorizations under the updated license.