Summary
The social media company Meta has made a change to Instagram that hides the follower and following lists for users in Iran. This change is meant to protect Iranian users from government surveillance during a period of protests and violence in the country.
Key Facts
- Meta altered Instagram to hide follower and following lists for users in Iran.
- Iranian government officials reportedly used Instagram data to monitor and target protesters.
- The updates aim to protect users during significant political unrest in Iran.
- Iranian protests are led by civilians who are often under 30 years old.
- Rights groups report thousands killed in protests due to government crackdown.
- Social media is crucial for Iranians to connect and communicate during protests.
- Elon Musk changed the Iranian flag on social media to support protesters.
- The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported nearly 4,500 protest-related deaths.
