Tehran Journalists Advocate for Universal, Unfettered Internet Access, Rejecting Market-Driven Restrictions
Tehran, Iran – The Tehran Journalists Association has issued a strong statement, asserting that free and accessible internet is a fundamental public right, not a luxury, and must not be compromised or sold under any pretense. The association argues that governments have a duty to ensure citizens’ unimpeded access to high-quality, universal internet, a right that has been repeatedly curtailed.
Information Flow as the Lifeblood of Media
The association emphasizes that the free and transparent flow of information is the cornerstone of media operations and essential for societal progress. Repeated internet shutdowns, they contend, not only inflict severe damage on businesses and critical public communications but also have a devastating impact on the media landscape and the economic viability of media organizations.
Concerns Over “Specialized” Internet Markets
The emergence of “specialized” internet services, the statement warns, fails to resolve existing connectivity issues. Instead, it is predicted to exacerbate societal problems while creating new ones. Furthermore, the practice of reserving a public and media right for sale at inflated prices to select buyers is deemed a violation of citizens’ legal rights and ethically unsound, urging its immediate removal from government agendas.
Call for Presidential Action on Internet Equity
The association specifically addresses the President, reminding him of his campaign promises to oppose “inappropriate filtering.” They contend that his administration should not be presiding over prolonged internet disruptions or facilitating the sale of a public right at higher costs to specific individuals, thereby perpetuating evident injustice.
Advocating for Equitable Access for All
Reiterating that the internet is an indispensable tool for media professionals, the Tehran Journalists Association calls on the government to ensure equitable and universal access for all journalists and media outlets, not just a select few. Recognizing that media’s purpose is enlightenment and public information, and that this function is rendered meaningless without public engagement in the digital sphere, the association concludes by restating its unwavering commitment to the public’s right to high-quality, free, and inclusive internet access.
