BEIRUT: Human Rights Watch on Wednesday hit back at Iran’s “unjustifiable” decision to ban the Telegram messaging app, warning Tehran against stifling access to information.
“The Iranian judiciary’s blocking of the messaging application Telegram is an unjustifiable restriction on freedom of expression and access to information,” the US-based rights organization said in a statement.
Human Rights Watch accused Tehran of “stifling access to information to try to make its problems go away” and said such censorship “should never be used to protect leaders from scrutiny.”
A Tehran judge blocked Telegram on Monday, following accusations that the hugely popular app has allowed armed opposition groups to fuel unrest.
The decision was described as “just another stain on Iranian authorities’ already dismal record on freedom of expression” by Human Rights Watch.
Telegram is the Islamic republic’s most popular social network with some 40 million users, around half the population.
The move to ban the app has highlighted differences of opinion between the government of reformist President Hassan Rouhani and ultra-conservatives who control the judiciary and security services.
Reflecting the government’s support of more open access to the Internet, telecoms minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi on Tuesday highlighted problems in Russia since authorities there banned Telegram.
“These problems could happen in Iran as well,” he said, quoted by the ISNA news agency, after thousands rallied in Moscow on Monday in support of Internet freedom.
Despite Telegram being blocked, the app was still easily accessible in Tehran on Wednesday.
HRW slams Iran’s banning of Telegram as ‘unjustifiable’
HRW slams Iran’s banning of Telegram as ‘unjustifiable’
- There are more than 40 million users of the Telegram app in Iran
- The move to ban the app has highlighted differences of opinion between the government of reformist President Hassan Rouhani and ultra-conservatives who control the judiciary and security services
Mobily celebrates 20th anniversary with new campaign
- Multiplatform campaign developed by FP7 McCann Riyadh
DUBAI: Saudi telecom giant Mobily has released a new campaign, “Ever Closer,” to mark its 20th anniversary.
The campaign is “rooted in the insight that the closer people become, the more ‘languages’ they share — from unspoken understanding to shared experiences,” explained Tarek Miknas, CEO of FP7 McCann MENAT, the agency behind the campaign.
“Our shared ambition was to mark Mobily’s 20-year journey with a story that’s built to last — one that is emotionally resonant, grounded, and capable of powering the Kingdom’s digital future,” he told Arab News.
The campaign includes a main film, supported by a wide media rollout across billboards, digital, social and retail platforms.
It represents one of Mobily’s largest media investments to date, spanning out-of-home advertising in major Saudi cities, stadiums, airports and metro stations, as well as placements on TV, video-on-demand platforms such as Shahid, and digital media channels.
Earlier this month, Mobily announced its first rebrand in 20 years. The rebrand aims to signify a shift in brand focus from functionality to individuality and to resonate with young Saudis, according to a company statement.
“Mobily’s brand relaunch is more than a campaign — it’s a signal of Saudi Arabia’s creative and commercial confidence on the world stage,” said Miknas.
He added: “As a homegrown agency network with deep roots in the Kingdom, it’s a privilege to help shape a platform that captures the spirit of a nation in motion.”
