Mahsa Alimardani an Iranian-Canadian Internet researcher. Her focus is on the intersection of technology and human rights, especially as it pertains to freedom of expression and access to information inside Iran. She holds a Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science in Political Science from the University of Toronto, and has completed her Research Masters at the University of Amsterdam, researching the Iranian Internet. She's currently working on her DPhil at the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Amsterdam, while working on Article 19's Iran digital programmes.
Latest posts by Mahsa Alimardani
In Iran, state-sanctioned messaging apps are the new hallmark of internet nationalization
Since they censored Telegram, Iranian officials have deployed aggressive measures in an effort to promote national messaging services.
Iranian parody band sings a love song for Telegram after its block
"Just when I was relying on you, you were suddenly blocked and gone and all I have left is this VPN, that's the only bridge between you and I."
The chilling effect of officials discussing Telegram's imminent ban in Iran
Some officials say Telegram is set to be blocked at the end of April. Although the app remains technically unfiltered at the moment, usage among Iranians is down.
The ‘Girls of Revolution Street’ Protest Iran's Compulsory Hijab Laws
"With religion and hijab there should be no force."
Massive Protests in Iran as People Weigh in on Its Origins
Here is a look at what is happening in Iran, how it differs from 2009's protests, and why there is a lot more to this situation than meets the eye.
In Iran, Music Streaming Sites Soundcloud and Spotify Are Back Online
Spotify and Soundcloud are now accessible for Iranians.
Iran's Foreign Minister Says He Won't Tweet in Persian Because of Twitter Censorship
The rhetoric of the Rouhani administration is giving off less hope for online freedoms, and the popular foreign minister's statements about not tweeting for Iranian audiences has increased concerns.
After Campaigning on Internet Freedom, Iranian President's ICT Minister Boasts of Internet Censorship
ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi announced that Rouhani had effectively improved methods to control the Internet space as well as shut down a number of platforms.
Iranian News Agency Publishes ‘Fabricated’ Story Accusing UN Special Rapporteur of Misdeeds With Saudi Arabia
It's not the first time Iranian officials have tried to discredit the office of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Iran.
Censorship Undressed: Iranian State TV Cuts Broadcast Mid-Sentence
In an unusual broadcasting flub this week, Iran's official state media network cut off the live video feed of a reporter in mid-sentence, censoring election coverage.
Iran's Election Race Sees a Popular President Up Against Ahmadinejad and the Supreme Leader's Favourite Cleric
"In the name of God, I have got election stress. Conditions for moderates have now deteriorated."
Young Iranian Faces Execution Over ‘Anti-Islamic’ Social Media Posts
"Sina's grandfather was a martyr of the eight-year war. Sina himself served two years. Sina has more rights to this country than most of these authorities."
Donald Trump Was Right: Iranians Do Play With Fire
The ancient Iranian festival of fire, known as Chaharshanbe Suri, proves that Donald Trump was absolutely right — albeit unwittingly — when he recently accused Iran of “playing with fire.”
Iran's Ahmadinejad, Whose 2009 Reelection Was Mired in Fraud Allegations, Gives Trump Advice
"We need to seek equality and brotherhood among nations and respect nations’ rights, as well as avoid arrogance and efforts toward domineering others."
Iranians Make ‘Love’ Between Iran and America Go Viral with #LoveBeyondFlags
In order to counter the hateful rhetoric between their governments, Iranians make #LoveBeyondFlag, in gratitude towards American protesters who stood against Trump's travel ban go viral.
More Than a Hundred Iranians, Many of Them Legal Residents, Face Challenges Entering the US
A crowdsourced database started by an Iranian MIT professor offers a snapshot of the impact of Trump's ban on Iranian nationals.
Protests, Deportations and Uncertainty: Iranians Ensnared by Trump's Immigration Ban
"My timeline is full of stories of people impacted by #Trump’s order. They are in shock & can’t believe it."
Many Feared Dead After High-Rise Mall in Tehran Collapses Following Fire
"Memories of buying special clothes and fish, now it has all collapsed"
Dissent and Solidarity: When Iran Mourns One of the Fathers of Its Revolution
Massive crowds gathered in Tehran on January 10 for the funeral of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who led a paradoxical career as a revolutionary and figure of moderation.
Iranian Civil Rights Defender Continues Hunger Strike, Protesting His Wife's Arrest For Fiction Writings
The campaign to free civil rights defender Arash Sadeghi has reached a critical point. Two months into his hunger strike, many worry Sadeghi's life is on the line.
