Human rights and visual media play a vital role in a free world and act as powerful tools for promoting transparency, accountability, and social justice. In countries that uphold the principles of freedom of expression and information, individuals have the right to produce, access, and share visual media, which can expose human rights violations, document social injustices, and shed light on marginalized communities. This unlimited flow of information enables public awareness, strengthens informed discussions, and empowers citizens to hold governments and institutions accountable. Visual media such as photos, films, and documentaries have the potential to bring about social change, challenge oppressive systems, and defend the support of fundamental human rights.

On the other hand, countries like Iran are facing significant limitations in the field of human rights and visual media. The Iranian government heavily controls and censors visual media, restricts access to information, and suppresses dissenting voices. Independent journalism is heavily monitored and citizens are often under surveillance and harassed for expressing their opinions or sharing visual content that contradicts the government’s narrative. As a result, human rights violations in Iran often go unreported or remain hidden from the public eye. The lack of freedom in visual media hinders social progress, prevents accountability, and deprives individuals of their right to freely express themselves. The stark difference between a free world and Iran highlights the importance of supporting human rights and creating a space that allows for the unrestricted flow of visual media to improve society.

Iran, a country with a rich cultural heritage, struggles with the complex issue of censorship in various media outlets. The relationship between human rights and censorship in the Iranian media industry is a very important topic, as it raises questions about freedom of expression, preservation of culture, and the balance between social values and individual freedoms. This short text examines the mutual impact of human rights and censorship in visual media in Iran.

After last year’s protests against the killing of Mahsa (Zahra) Amini and the support of many artists for these protests, as well as the solidarity of female actors with the movement against compulsory hijab and the publication of unveiled images on social media, and also the lack of cooperation of some actors with the Islamic Republic’s national broadcasting, the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution of the Islamic Republic is currently imposing stricter controls on the content of various platforms active in the country. Accordingly, the new regulations, based on a decree passed by the Council in a meeting chaired by Ebrahim Raisi last month, give absolute control over films, television programs, and music presented on various platforms to the Islamic Republic’s national broadcasting. Therefore, this authority will have the power to block content created by filmmakers, actors, and musicians who do not comply with their authority, effectively giving them complete control over censorship. This has caused concern among the community and activists in this industry regarding the new regulations,

In recent years, various domestic networks with official government licenses have emerged in Iranian society for the production of series and other entertainment shows. Although they have the format of television programs, they are not broadcast through official channels. The emergence of these domestic networks has opened up a new space for expression in the official media of the Islamic Republic, where new cultural content can be broadcast. The establishment of these networks, as they were subject to fewer restrictions than those imposed on the Islamic Republic’s state television, has had a significant impact on the quality and diversity of Iranian series productions. This has helped to boost the domestic market at a time when access to foreign networks such as Netflix is not possible in Iran. However, these limited freedoms have also been criticized by many hardliners in comparison to state television.

On the other hand, visual media play a vital role in reflecting and shaping a society. Home networks can influence public opinion, challenge existing norms, and promote social changes. However, in Iran, the government has strict control over the content produced and consumed in the entertainment industry. Censorship in Iran is mainly due to the government’s desire to protect cultural and religious values, maintain the desired social order, and what the government considers national security. This control is enforced through various mechanisms, including pre-production approval, content editing, and selective distribution.

In terms of human rights, control and censorship in the field of domestic networks can have potential effects on human and political rights. One of these effects is the suppression of creativity among programmers and prevention of freedom of expression. Excessive censorship in the entertainment industry can have destructive effects on creativity and innovation. When artists and creators feel forced to conform to prescribed narratives, it stifles their ability to express original ideas and diverse perspectives. This suppression of creativity greatly limits the potential of the industry to grow and showcase fresh and thought-provoking content in various fields.

The strong and important impact of censorship and restrictions in the realm of domestic networks is another significant consequence. The entertainment industry, heavily censored, may lead to dissatisfaction and lack of social participation. When individuals are unable to access uncensored content that resonates with their experiences and desires, they may seek alternative sources or turn to underground channels. This can deepen the existing gap between the government and the people and hinder open dialogue and social progress. It is crucial to understand that a vibrant and widespread entertainment industry, with proper respect for human rights, can contribute to social cohesion and the development of a more harmonious society.

In Iran, censorship significantly affects freedom of expression in the media. Artists, writers, and filmmakers face restrictions that hinder their ability to freely express their ideas and perspectives, leading to self-censorship and silencing of diverse voices. The Islamic Republic’s censorship apparatus limits artistic and creative freedoms and prevents exploration of alternative viewpoints and innovative storytelling. Furthermore, censorship in Iran goes beyond limiting freedom of expression. It also restricts access to information and diverse perspectives for the general public. Government control over the media prevents individuals from being exposed to a wide range of opinions and viewpoints. As a result, it hinders their ability to make informed decisions and fully participate in public discourse. Limited access to diverse information hinders the growth of a truly democratic and inclusive society.

One of the consequences of censorship in Iran is the suppression of cultural diversity. The government silences the voices of minorities and marginalizes their participation in the cultural landscape by imposing a limited range of acceptable narratives. This suppression not only restricts the artistic expressions of various ethnic and cultural groups, but also hinders the preservation of cultural heritage. Due to the censorship that prioritizes homogeneity over celebrating diverse identities, the richness and diversity of Iranian culture has diminished. In summary, censorship in the Islamic Republic poses significant challenges to freedom of expression, access to diverse information, and preservation of cultural diversity. The government’s control limits artistic freedoms, restricts public access to a wide range of perspectives, and diminishes the vibrant display of Iran’s multicultural heritage. Addressing these issues requires a careful balance between cultural preservation and individual rights, as well as recognizing the importance of nurturing a dynamic and inclusive media landscape.

The relationship between human rights and censorship in the media in Iran is complex and multifaceted. While the goal of censorship is to protect cultural values and national security, it often comes at the cost of fundamental human rights such as freedom of expression and access to information. Achieving a delicate balance between preserving culture and protecting human rights is a vital challenge that requires thoughtful examination and open dialogue. It is through respectful discussions and recognition of human rights that societies can move towards a more widespread and dynamic media industry while still respecting their unique cultural identities.