Telegram has become the biggest social networking app in Iran, used by millions of individuals and entities. The app, founded by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, allows users to set up groups and "channels" for communication and is believed to have played a significant role in mobilizing anti-government protests that hit Iran in late December 2017 and early January 2018. In the wake of the deadly unrest, the popular social media app began to be perceived as an enemy of the state.
Still, President Hassan Rouhani has been accusing conservative rivals of restricting the media. "I'm wondering why some hate social media networks and why they can't stand the flow of information to the public," he said during an April 21 address in Tehran.
