Iran’s parliament has passed legislation banning Iranian citizens from giving interviews or participating in discussions with media outlets or media figures designated by the state as “hostile,” the semi-official news agency ISNA reported Tuesday.
Lawmakers approved the restriction as part of a Countering Foreign Influence bill during a parliamentary session.
Under the newly passed legislation, Iranian nationals would be prohibited from taking part in interviews, debates or discussions with television networks, radio stations, websites or personal social media accounts that Iran’s Intelligence Agency has officially designated as hostile.
The ban would also apply to foreign media organizations owned, managed, or funded by governments deemed hostile such as the United States or Israel.
The law would apply to all Iranian citizens residing both inside and outside the country. State officials and government authorities would be exempted from the restrictions.
Violators would face “Degree 6” penalties under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, including six months to two years in prison, financial fines, discretionary flogging or deprivation of certain social and civil rights.
The Iranian government maintains that some media outlets operate as intelligence arms of hostile countries and that cooperation with them poses a threat to national security.
International human rights organizations, however, have criticized such restrictions as an attempt to limit access to independent media and suppress reporting on war-related developments.