Iran Submits New Cyber Regulation Bill Amid Public Concerns
A new cyber regulation bill has been submitted to Iran's Parliament amid ongoing concerns over online freedoms and echoes of past controversial proposals.
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The submission of the draft bill titled "Cyber Regulation Framework" has raised questions about whether this marks the arrival of a third iteration of the controversial 'Protection Plan.'
While a previous bill aimed at combating false news online was withdrawn by the president due to widespread public backlash, lawmakers have now introduced a new draft titled "Cyber Regulation Framework." This bill was officially submitted to Parliament last Sunday.
Reza Jabari, a member of the Parliamentary Presidium, announced the submission of six drafts during Monday's public session on August 3, 2025. One of these drafts was the "Cyber Regulation Framework."
Currently, no specific details about the content or authors of the "Cyber Regulation Framework" are available. Further information is awaited. However, it is expected that this draft may include provisions similar to those in previously halted bills such as "Combating False News Content Online" or the "Regulation Framework for Digital Services," both of which faced significant opposition.
The bill titled "Combating False News Content Online," referred to as 'Protection Plan 2' by social media users and public discourse, was initially approved by the Council of Ministers in July following a proposal from the Ministry of Justice. It was submitted to Parliament on July 21 for legislative procedures. On July 27, Parliament approved its urgency for consideration. However, growing objections from key social groups and citizens led Masoud Pezeshkian to order its withdrawal for further review.
Earlier, during Iran’s eleventh Parliament, another bill titled "Regulation Framework for Digital Services" gained attention under the name 'Protection Plan.' The general provisions of this bill were approved in March 2021 by a joint commission in Parliament but were later revoked due to widespread criticism and public opposition. Despite its rejection, proponents have continually sought opportunities to implement its provisions over subsequent years.
