TEHRAN, Iran — The Iranian parliament has passed a contentious new law aimed at combating what it terms "untrue news content," a move critics argue marks a further encroachment on freedom of expression in the country. The legislation, which was approved on July 27, 2025, is widely viewed as a tool for increasing government censorship and stifling dissent amid rising economic and social discontent.
This legislative action follows a recent 12-day conflict, intensifying amid ongoing protests related to economic hardships and political grievances. Observers highlight the timing as part of the regime’s broader strategy to suppress dissent and regulate online discourse, where many Iranians have sought to share information and organize movements against authoritarian control.
Government officials claim the law aligns with constitutional protections for freedom of speech. However, many argue it strays far from that ideal. Historically, the Iranian regime has not guaranteed genuine free expression, and this new law could represent a significant escalation in its long-running campaign against opposing voices.
The legislation has prompted notable criticism even from some within the regime. A faction of parliament members voiced concerns to President Masoud Pezeshkian about potential damage to what they termed “freedom of expression.” They fear the law would undermine already struggling independent media and exacerbate the divide between the government and its citizens. These internal dissenters appear motivated not by a commitment to civil liberties but by a growing worry about public backlash in an increasingly dissatisfied society.
Regime-affiliated commentators have also expressed alarm. Abbas Abdi, writing in the newspaper Etemad, warned that the law aims to monopolize truth and could lead to widespread propaganda. Former telecommunications minister Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi criticized the legislation on social media, stating that the vague wording and heavy penalties would likely lead to rampant violations of free speech.
Legal experts within the regime have echoed these sentiments, pointing out troubling aspects of the law. Mohsen Borhani, a legal analyst, specifically criticized the replacement of the term "spreading lies" with “untrue content,” asserting that this vague language would allow for arbitrary enforcement. Penalties under the new law could include prison terms ranging from six months to 15 years, and in severe cases, charges could lead to the death penalty under the provision for “corruption on earth.”
Civil society advocates warn that the implications of this law are grave. Borhani cautioned that it would instill fear among citizens, discouraging them from expressing themselves online and ultimately shaking the very foundations of social interaction. Even Nournews, aligned with the regime’s Supreme National Security Council, questioned whether the bill promotes genuine transparency or merely reflects security-driven pressures.
Despite internal opposition, the regime proceeded with the law’s passage, obtaining 205 votes in favor versus 49 against, with three abstentions from a total of 257 members present. This organized vote reinforces the regime’s intent to enhance its control over cyberspace, which has been a focal point in recent government directives.
The dynamics of Iran’s digital landscape paint a troubling picture, as detailed in the Freedom on the Net 2024 report from Freedom House. Iran is categorized as "Not Free," with a score of only 12 out of 100. Notable trends documented between June 2023 and May 2024 indicate a further tightening of constraints on internet usage, alongside substantial increases in censorship and surveillance.
Continued disruptions to internet access, particularly during protests, alongside significant pricing hikes for internet services, highlight the regime’s approach to isolating citizens from global digital communities. The Iranian government has also intensified its monitoring practices, employing advanced technology for surveillance and control, making participation in online discourse increasingly risky for citizens.
As the Iranian regime implements the new "Untrue Content" law, it exacerbates a climate of fear around free speech and independent reporting. Although authorities claim adherence to constitutional rights, the context of pervasive censorship and heightened surveillance paints a starkly different reality. The stakes for those who resist or dissent are higher than ever, reflecting a regime desperate to maintain its grip amidst growing opposition.
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