Internet censorship in Iran
Iran is known for having one of the world's most comprehensive Internet censorship systems. The Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have blocked access to many popular websites and online services, including YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Telegram. Internet traffic in the country is heavily restricted and monitored.
In response to the 2019 Iranian protests, the government implemented a near-total Internet shutdown, reducing traffic to just 5% of normal levels. A 2022 poll ranked Iran as the country with the second highest level of Internet censorship after it repeatedly disrupted Internet access and blocked social media platforms to curb protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. The government is now targeting Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in an effort to completely block citizens' access to foreign media and online content.