Iran, Under Pressure, Withdraws Bill to Counter ‘Fake News’

The Iranian government withdrew a controversial law aiming to counter fake news after critics argued that it would further suppress freedom of expression in the country, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported. 

The government announced the decision Wednesday, writing on X that the administration of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian decided to withdraw the bill “to maintain national unity.” 

The 22-article bill – formally titled the “Bill To Counter The Publication Of Fake News Content In Cyberspace” – was prepared by the government and the conservative judiciary and was submitted to parliament last week. Lawmakers voted 205 to 49 to fast-track its review, while three members abstained. 

If the bill became law, those accused of publishing “fake news” would risk prison sentences of up to 15 years. Legal experts noted how such a punishment is, in some cases, more severe than those for more serious offenses such as espionage or kidnapping.  

Critics nicknamed the law “bill of suffocation” and cautioned that broad expressions like “disturbing public opinion” and “content against state security” could be used as justifications for sweeping and arbitrary repression of press freedom and dissent. 

Meanwhile, supporters said the law was necessary to protect the public and national security and to maintain order, especially considering that misinformation spreads quickly online. 

Iran already ranks at the bottom of global press freedom indexes.