Residents using their phones in Kermanshah, Iran, in November. Photo: screengrab/Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - In Iran and its predominantly Kurdish western region (Rojhelat), the potential lifting of the years-long ban on Telegram has become a subject of growing public debate, as officials signal progress in negotiations with the Dubai-based company behind the messaging and social media app.
Telegram has been blocked in Iran since May 2018, when anti-government protesters used the platform to organize demonstrations.
Authorities confirmed in early November that talks with the company are underway, indicating that Tehran may restore access to the platform.
In Rojhelat’s Kermanshah province, many residents say the filtering of Telegram has sharply reduced their incomes, as they rely on social media and online platforms for work.
“Telegram’s situation has worsened. It used to be a valuable platform, helping many - especially housewives - earn income. Now it has declined, and few can benefit from it as before,” said Alireza Abbasi, a shop owner in Kermanshah.
Another shop owner, Ali Faridi Kia, echoed the frustration, saying, “Restricting Telegram is not effective. Everyone already uses [Virtual Private Network] VPNs, and you have to subscribe and pay a fee.”
For e-sellers, the restrictions have added financial strain on top of already declining incomes.
“The ban has only raised people’s expenses. I had to subscribe to a VPN and pay a fee to bypass it,” said Yousef Mansouri. “For those whose work relies on social networks, their livelihoods have been entirely cut off.”
Shop owner Hameed Moradi shared similar concerns, noting, “Before the ban on social networks like Telegram and Instagram, our sales were much higher; now they’ve fallen to about a quarter.”
During his election campaign, Iran’s reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to lift filters on major social media platforms. Since taking office, the government has restored access only to Google Play and WhatsApp, while Telegram, Instagram, and other platforms remain blocked.
Officials now say Telegram’s ban could be lifted if the company adheres to domestic regulations.
As negotiations continue, many in Rojhelat are watching closely, hopeful that the return of the app could revive the online economic activity they once depended on.
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