MOSCOW, October 4 (RIA Novosti) - Misuse of the Internet and social networks is unacceptable, the interests of all peoples should be taken into account in the process of development of the modern mass media, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel on Saturday.
"It is unacceptable to write such things in the [social] networks that incite people or endanger the safety of these countries. We should head this way and take into account the interests of all peoples," Rouhani said.
In today's world, the media plays an important role, which is why the authorities of all countries should provide their citizens with "adequate opportunities," the Iranian president said. At the same time, "social networks should not be abused in matters of morality, as well as in matters of religious beliefs of certain nations."
Rohani's election promise during the presidential campaign in 2013 was to provide greater freedom in the social sphere and media field. This was the step, according to some experts, that helped him win over his political rivals.
However, certain political forces in Iran chose to oppose such liberalization. The access to social networks, including Twitter and Facebook, as well as other resources that are recognized as anti-governmental or contrary to the norms of Islam, is often blocked by the Iranian authorities.
