Iranian Government Policy on Social Media to Counter Centrifugal Forces

Abstract

The virtual space represents a cultural domain with extensive capabilities, enabling a variety of activities. Hence, it is recognized as a sensitive domain requiring policy-making in all countries worldwide. In fact, when the emergence and expansion of information and communication tools bring about rapid changes and unavoidable challenging conditions, the presence of comprehensive strategic decisions becomes essential for organized and coherent operations to confront daily changes and developments within any organization, institution, or even country. In Iran, due to its unique political, social, and security conditions, this issue holds significant importance. Therefore, the present study, while explaining the functions of social media networks and the type and manner of ethnic activities within them, examines the role, extent, and impact of these networks on the convergence and divergence of ethnic groups from the central government. It also analyzes the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the virtual space during two periods: before and after the establishment of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, covering both affirmative and prohibitive policies. The study dissects the ethnic groups’ challenges, explores the reasons for migration, and describes the shift from expressing issues in the real world to the virtual space. Furthermore, it explains the type and manner of activities by ethnic activists, examines the impact of economic and social problems, and investigates the policies adopted to increase convergence and reduce divergence based on the institutional policy-making model. The main objective of this research is to elucidate the policies and challenges of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the virtual space to counter centrifugal forces, providing a comprehensive response to the primary research question: What are the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the virtual space aimed at increasing convergence and reducing divergence among ethnic groups in the face of threats posed by enemies and centrifugal forces? The findings indicated that the Islamic Republic of Iran, recognizing the significance, influence, and widespread nature of the virtual space, has acknowledged the necessity of appropriate intervention in this domain and has adopted policies focused on direct supervision and intervention in the content and operations of the virtual space.