To whom it may concern,
Over the past three weeks, the “YouTube” and “Facebook” websites have been intermittently available to internet users in Iran. On the day I noticed this problem, I was greatly saddened over the matter but thought that perhaps my ISP had made an error in their filtering systems’ configurations, despite the fact that they are most vigilant regarding this single issue. But before calling my ISP, I decided to check with people who receive service from other companies, and unfortunately they were reporting the same behavior. I was perplexed over the technical complexities that may have led to this widespread irregularity and realized I had to give time to the authorities for resolution. Two days later, I noticed that the filters were back in place and I was pleased once again. However, later that week, these websites became open to users once more. Gladly, this time too, the situation did not last long since in a day or two the “access denied” pages reappeared. This pattern was observed for two weeks, and now, for the past six or seven days, these sites have been continually accessible!
I need not remind you that these websites contain material that is greatly detrimental to our “mental security”. Needless to say that the emotional roller coaster we are riding due to this on and off behavior is no less harmful to society either. As I have not noticed any change in the content and operations of the said websites after perusing them thoroughly, I cannot find justification for their sudden accessibility other than technical difficulties, or perhaps a simple oversight. The fact that some elements in our government have just discovered that these websites can be used as efficient tools to reach the masses in the upcoming elections is unacceptable, and hence irrelevant, in my reasoning. It does not make a convincing case for allowing such overturning of principles. You are well aware, as are these elements, that for delivering campaign advertisements and propaganda to the people, our regime has exclusive access to technologies of the divine, which are on a par with the internet in effectiveness, but far more desirable. Hence, I am hereby asking you to investigate this grave matter of national importance and to reinstate filtering on these sites, permanently.
I would also like to note that with the recent introduction of GPRS service in Iran, people are receiving unfiltered internet access to these sites over their mobile phones. There have also been reports of access to other unfit content from these phones on occasion, and their veracity will have to be substantiated. I trust that this issue will be resolved swiftly as well, given the Iranian executives’ aptitude and diligence – may Allah protect them.
Thank you for your attention.
Tags: censorship, filtering, internet, internet filtering