Iran Launches Online Crackdown Targeting 'Moral Crimes'

The Islamic Republic's authorities are planning to intensify the online morality crackdown alongside increased pressure on women to wear the headscarf.

According to the semi-official ISNA news agency, Vahid Majidi, head of the FATA police force (cybercrimes unit), announced a plan to target "moral crimes" in virtual spaces. 

This comes as the "Noor Plan" redeploys morality police to enforce mandatory headscarf rules.

Majidi said the plan will target individuals creating "obscene live streams" and "vulgar content."

He also stated that authorities have identified and taken action against "10 active pages" associated with such content.

This is not the first time Iranian authorities have cracked down on social media. 

Security and judicial institutions have previously shut down popular social media pages. In recent weeks, they have summoned individuals for online comments critical of the government.

One recent example involved people who expressed opposition to the assault and murder of Nika Shakarami by the Iranian security forces.

Majidi claimed 91 percent of "morally contaminated content" originates on Instagram, despite the platform being officially filtered in Iran. 

Since April 13, Iran's law enforcement agencies have intensified the enforcement of hijab regulations under the national action plan "Noor."

Across Iran, there have been numerous reports of women being arrested and subjected to the use of force due to perceived violations of dress codes. 

Users across social networks have started a spontaneous campaign using the hashtag "war against women" to document their experiences and observations regarding the government's crackdown on the opponents of mandatory hijab.

Meanwhile, reports have surfaced detailing the use of repressive tactics, particularly on female students in various universities.

Moreover, pressure has also been mounting on civil activists, political dissenters, women political prisoners, and cultural figures.