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US to increase support for internet freedom in Iran

WASHINGTON, Sept 23 (KUNA) -- the US Treasury Department on Friday issued Iran General License (GL) D-2 to increase support for internet freedom in Iran.
According to a Department statement, the issuance will bring US sanctions guidance in line with the changes in modern technology since the issuance of Iran GL D-1.
On Wednesday, the Iranian government cut off access to the internet for most of its 80 million citizens to prevent the world from watching its violent crackdown on peaceful protestors sparked by the brutal death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran's Morality Police, the statement pointed out.
"While Iran's government is cutting off its people's access to the global internet, the United States is taking action to support the free flow of information and access to fact-based information to the Iranian people.
"The updated guidance will authorize technology companies to offer the Iranian people with more options of secure, outside platforms and services," it added.
"As courageous Iranians take to the streets to protest the death of Mahsa Amini, the United States is redoubling its support for the free flow of information to the Iranian people," said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo.
"Today, Treasury is announcing the expansion of Iran General License D-2, which will expand the range of internet services available to Iranians. With these changes, we are helping the Iranian people be better equipped to counter the government's efforts to surveil and censor them.
In the coming weeks, OFAC will continue issuing guidance to support the Administration's commitment to promoting the free flow of information, which the Iranian regime has consistently denied to its people." In the same vein, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said "We are taking this step against a stark backdrop. The Iranian government has cut off access to the Internet for most of its 80 million citizens to prevent them - and the world - from watching its violent crackdown on peaceful protestors. It is clear that the Iranian government is afraid of its own people. Mahsa Amini is senselessly, tragically dead, and now the government is violently suppressing peaceful protesters rightly angry about her loss.
"In the face of these steps, we are going to help make sure the Iranian people are not kept isolated and in the dark. This is a concrete step to provide meaningful support to Iranians demanding that their basic rights be respected," he stressed. (end) asj.hb