Iranian Authorities Restore Blocks On Facebook, Twitter

A number of social networks are blocked in Iran despite their popularity among Internet users. (file photo)

Iranian authorities have restored blocks on Facebook and Twitter after filters were removed from the social networks overnight.

Iran's semiofficial Mehr news agency quoted Abdolsamad Khoramabadi, who is a senior member of the board overseeing the Internet in Iran, as saying the filters' removal had been caused by what appeared to be a technical failure.

Khorambadi said the glitch was quickly rectified.

Newly elected President Hassan Rohani has pledged more outreach to the West and a new openness in Iran.

The glitch could point to increasing internal struggles between groups seeking to reopen Facebook and other social-networking sites and hard-liners in the establishment, who remain in control of Internet access.

In recent weeks, several Iranian cabinet members have joined Facebook, sparking a debate over its blocking.



With reporting by AFP and Reuters