NetBlocks: “Wall Street Journal Should Clarify Abbas Araghchi’s Note”

NetBlocks, an organization that monitors global internet connectivity, has called for accountability from the Wall Street Journal regarding the publication of a note by Abbas Araghchi.

NetBlocks, an organization that monitors internet access and connectivity worldwide, has formally requested that the Wall Street Journal provide clarification and additional explanation regarding the publication of a note from “Abbas Araghchi,” Iran’s foreign minister.

The organization has emphasized that the publication of views by Iranian government officials in international media, at a time when Iranian citizens’ access to the internet is being widely restricted or cut off, requires clarification.

Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks, stated in the letter that the Wall Street Journal should specify how the published note was submitted for publication and whether this process was conducted through the internet or otherwise. He also requested that the article acknowledge the fact that opponents of the Islamic Republic within Iran have been deprived of the opportunity to express their views in the media due to internet shutdowns and disruptions.

In his letter to the Wall Street Journal’s editorial team, Alp Toker wrote: “Cases in which a government, while depriving its citizens of the ability to express views through cutting off communications and writing opportunities, publishes its own writings in a media outlet, should be accompanied by two necessary clarifications for transparency:

First, the newspaper should clarify how this note was submitted; digitally, through the internet, or by other means? Second, it should be made clear that due to digital restrictions, there has been no equal opportunity for opponents of that government to access the same platform.”

NetBlocks’ action has been met with positive reactions from many Iranian users on social media. Critics argue that while the Islamic Republic cuts off the internet to conceal the suppression of protesters, the publication of notes by Iranian officials in international media, without reference to these restrictions, perpetuates inequality in access to platforms.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, January 22, 2025 (February 2 in the Persian calendar), Mohammadjafar Qaeemipanah, executive deputy to Masoud Pezeshkian, described internet shutdowns as unavoidable in case of “endangering the security of the Islamic Republic”; remarks that have once again sparked criticism from digital rights activists and free speech advocates.