Iran considers law to criminalise communication with foreign media
The Guardian · August 26, 2026Original source ↗

What happened
Iranian lawmakers are discussing a proposed law that would criminalise contact with foreign media. Human rights groups have expressed concern that this law would limit civic engagement and restrict communication for journalists, researchers, and citizens.
Why it matters
This development could impact freedom of expression and information access in Iran.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you are a journalist in Iran?
This law could make it illegal for you to communicate with international media, severely limiting your ability to report on events and share information. As a result, your work could be criminalised, putting you at risk of severe penalties.
How does this story affect you if you are a researcher in Iran?
You may find it increasingly difficult to access and share information with foreign institutions or scholars, hindering your ability to conduct research. This could isolate Iranian academia from global discourse and collaboration.
How does this story affect you if you are a citizen in Iran?
This proposed law could restrict your ability to engage with the outside world and express your opinions freely. You may face legal repercussions for simply communicating with foreign media, which could stifle civic engagement and limit access to diverse perspectives.
Want this written about you?
The breakdown above is the shared version, for kinds of people. In the app, Ripple uses your job, your city, and your family, then writes that part about you.
Get your Ripple