Telegram app traffic was illegally rerouted in Iran

The Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) rerouted the traffic of the Telegram app for one hour on 30 July which is in contradiction to the Iranian Computer Crimes law, Articles 736 and 737, which stipulates a fine of up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of 40 million Iranian Rials (approximately USD$ 906) for such a crime. Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Iranian Telecommunications Minister, tweeted on 30 July, acknowledging the engagement of the TCI ‘in changing its topology and consolidating its provincial network in Shiraz and Bushehr [cities].’ He added that ‘[i]f confirmed, the TCI’s misdeed, whether intentional or not, will trigger a heavy fine.’