Mohammad Sarafraz, who is also the former head of the state-run television and radio organization IRIB, called for an immediate and complete removal of filters on social networks and online stores such as Google Play, arguing that the current blocking policy that has been introduced is to cause social unrest containment has backfired.

Sarafraz stressed that the gradual removal of Internet filtering proposed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is not effective and warned that the current widespread restriction is not sustainable.

He believes removing the filters immediately would prevent users from resorting to VPNs and other workaround tools that have become increasingly valuable because of the restrictions.

Noting that 80% of Iranian users rely on VPNs, he warned: “Continued restrictions could lead to administrative and residential complexes switching to satellite internet, which could ultimately lead to a delayed removal of filters.”

Sarafraz denied reports of a council vote on the issue, stating: “The plan was to be reviewed by a special commission, but no further meetings were held, so members’ opinions remained unknown.”

The Supreme Council for Cyberspace is tasked with overseeing the Internet in Iran.