Internet Butcher

Ali Khamenei
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Ali
Khamenei

Ali Khamenei, as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, plays a central and decisive role in internet repression in Iran. He is the main authority responsible for internet restrictions, both through high-level policies and direct orders to security and military institutions.

Key roles of Khamenei in internet repression:

  1. Setting high-level policies: He has emphasized broad control and surveillance over the internet in documents such as the general policies of the regime regarding cyberspace and the establishment of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace.

  2. Supporting restrictive projects: Projects like the National Internet (National Information Network) have been pursued with his direct support to limit access to the global internet.

  3. Backing repression institutions: Organizations such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ministry of Intelligence, and Cyber Police (FATA) responsible for filtering, censorship, and internet shutdowns operate under his direct supervision or affiliated offices of the Supreme Leader’s office.

  4. Public statements: In his speeches, he has repeatedly described free internet as a threat to "national security" and "the youth," stressing the necessity of "managing cyberspace."

These policies, especially during popular protests like those in November 2019 and the Mahsa Amini uprising, have led to internet blackouts, widespread filtering, and severe repression of social media users.