In a candid admission that has sent ripples of concern through Iranian society, the head of Iran’s Cyber Police (FATA), Vahid Majid, has acknowledged the potential for daily phone conversations of citizens to be monitored. The warning, delivered via the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency, comes amidst heightened surveillance efforts by authorities following the recent conflict with Israel.
Majid’s statement highlighted the vulnerability of smart devices to “unknown applications with unauthorized access,” suggesting these could provide sensitive information to “cyber criminals or foreign enemies.” He explicitly stated, “These days, even ordinary phone calls with relatives inside or outside the country may be monitored.” He further advised citizens to be cautious when discussing local situations or events, suggesting responses like “I don’t know” to sensitive queries.
This revelation coincides with a noticeable intensification of communication from official channels to Iranian citizens. The Revolutionary Guard Intelligence Organization recently sent text messages urging individuals to report “suspicious activities” to their designated phone numbers, claiming “exemplary cooperation and assistance” from the public in recent days. Some citizens also reported receiving messages containing excerpts from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s speeches.
While Iranian authorities maintain that all public reports are reviewed confidentially and that special teams are operating to handle “security cases and suspicious matters,” the admission of potential phone surveillance has ignited fears regarding privacy and civil liberties. Critics and human rights organizations have long raised concerns about the extent of state control over digital communications in Iran, citing a history of internet censorship and monitoring of online activities.
The timing of this warning, in the wake of recent regional tensions and reports of increased cyber warfare, underscores the evolving landscape of information control within Iran. The implications for everyday Iranians are significant, potentially leading to increased self-censorship and a chilling effect on open communication, as citizens navigate a digital environment where their private conversations may no longer be truly private.
