Since the 2009 Green Movement protests in Iran, internet connections have grown significantly, which is why social media is likely playing an important role in the anti-government demonstrations rocking the country. This time Iranians are using social media to communicate with each other. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have sought to suppress the protests in part by shutting down key social media sites protesters use to communicate, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Telegram. Telegram has become the social media platform of choice for Iranians, with an estimated 40 million users out of a population of 80 million. (CBC)When the company stopped responding, the government shut down and blocked the only uncensored foreign media platforms, Telegram and Instagram.

Source: CBC News January 04, 2018 09:56 UTC