Meta Removes Facebook and Instagram Accounts of Iran’s Supreme Leader
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has taken action to remove the social media accounts belonging to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The decision to disable Khamenei’s accounts comes after Meta cited repeated violations of its Dangerous Organizations & Individuals policy. According to Meta, this policy prohibits the presence of organizations or individuals promoting violence or associated with terrorist activities designated by the US government.
The move to remove Khamenei’s accounts follows ongoing concerns regarding Iran’s alleged support for groups like Hamas, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US State Department. Iran has faced accusations of providing funding, weapons, and training to Hamas, as well as supporting other groups like the Houthis in Yemen.
Digital rights researchers and human rights organizations have welcomed Meta’s decision, emphasizing the importance of preventing the promotion of harmful content and violence against civilians.
Khamenei’s Instagram account, which had amassed over 5 million followers, was among those deactivated by Meta. While Meta did not specify the exact content that led to the removal, the action underscores the platform’s commitment to enforcing its policies against dangerous individuals and organizations.
The removal of Khamenei’s accounts comes amid growing concerns over cyber-attacks and influence operations attributed to Iranian actors. Recent reports by Microsoft have highlighted Iranian-aligned cyber-attacks targeting various entities, including streaming television services and political allies.
As tensions persist in the region, experts warn of the escalating threat posed by Iranian cyber and influence operations, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and action to mitigate potential risks.
