Tech platforms block women and LGBTQ+ content over Iran’s relaxed hijab laws

Late last year, Iranian authorities announced the easing of their strict hijab laws, which include allowing women to attend university while wearing casual clothing like jeans and t-shirts. However, this development led to several tech platforms—including Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp—blocking content related to the hashtag #hijaboff due to its explicit nature.<br><br>Social media users who employed the hashtag faced temporary bans on their accounts, while LGBTQ+ content creators were affected disproportionately, with their content being classified as "inappropriate" or "sensitive."<br><br>Users have expressed frustration and disappointment with the situation, as they cannot share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences or use their real names on their social media profiles.