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In a significant move, Meta has announced the removal of Facebook and Instagram accounts belonging to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, citing violations of its content policy. This FAQ guide addresses common questions surrounding this development.

1. Why did Meta remove Ayatollah Khamenei’s accounts?

Meta stated that the removal was based on Khamenei’s repeated violations of the Dangerous Organizations & Individuals policy. The decision is in line with Meta’s commitment to preventing real-world harm and disallowing entities promoting violence.

2. Was the removal linked to the Israel-Hamas war?

Although Meta did not explicitly mention the conflict, pressure to ban Khamenei intensified after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Khamenei supported Hamas but denied Iranian involvement.

3. What statements led to the account removal?

Khamenei publicly supported Palestinian retaliation against Israel’s Gaza bombardment and endorsed attacks on Red Sea shipping by Yemen’s Huthi rebels, contributing to the decision.

4. How long has Ayatollah Khamenei been in power?

Ayatollah Khamenei has held power in Iran for 35 years. He boasts a significant following of five million on Instagram.

5. What is Meta’s content policy regarding violence?

Meta’s policy prohibits organizations or individuals with a violent mission or engagement in violence from having a presence on its platforms. It aims to prevent and disrupt real-world harm, removing content that glorifies or supports dangerous entities.

6. How does Meta define dangerous organizations and individuals?

According to Meta, it removes content that involves the glorification, support, or representation of various dangerous organizations and individuals. In this case, the decision was influenced by Khamenei’s public endorsements.

7. Why is Hamas relevant to this decision?

Hamas, the organization responsible for the October 7 attack, is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States. Meta’s policy aligns with removing content associated with such entities.

8. Can Iranians still access Facebook and Instagram?

Instagram and Facebook are banned in Iran, but Iranians use virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent restrictions and access prohibited websites or apps, including US-owned platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Conclusion:
Meta’s decision to remove Ayatollah Khamenei’s accounts reflects its commitment to curbing real-world harm and violence on its platforms. As discussions unfold around the implications of this action, stay informed about updates and share your thoughts in the comments section below.