Lawmakers in Iran Access Free Internet Despite Public Limitations
Iranian lawmakers use unfiltered internet, raising questions about public access.
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Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of parliament, announced that all members have access to unfiltered internet or "white SIM cards" from the moment they enter parliament. According to him, considering the president's promises, lifting the filtering is not out of reach.
Recently, changes in user location display on the social network X showed that some officials and representatives supporting filtering enter this network directly without using IP-changing tools. In this context, Bakhshayesh Ardestani confirmed in an interview that access to free internet for representatives is provided by default.
Internet Access and Class Distinction
This member of parliament explains that after entering the parliament, representatives gain access to unrestricted internet to handle affairs and communications. Bakhshayesh Ardestani says, "We did not know what white and non-white lines are, but the lines have been freed for us, and we pay for the internet."
In response to the question of whether this issue is an example of class-based internet, he believes that this matter is not related to dividing citizens into first and second classes, and many intelligence and security organizations also use such lines.
VPN Mafia and Presidential Promises
Bakhshayesh Ardestani, referring to the existence of a filtering mafia, emphasizes that some groups are interested in maintaining the current situation due to the profit from selling VPNs. However, he points to the president's promises regarding the lifting of filters on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, stating that it is expected this commitment will be fulfilled and it is not out of reach.
Justification for Anti-Filter Representatives' Usage
In part of his remarks, this member of parliament responded to criticisms regarding the use of free internet by representatives opposed to lifting the filter. He believes that representatives' use of white lines does not necessarily relate to their opinion on the overall filtering policy.
Bakhshayesh Ardestani says about this: "The correct use of a tool is different from its misuse. The internet should be managed to some extent, not too free and not too restricted. But whether a representative uses it or not will not affect their behavior."
He states that the main reason for filtering is to force foreign platforms to cooperate with the Iranian government and finally reminds that representatives also agree with lifting the filtering and pursuing this issue is on the agenda.
