THE SURPRISING WAYS META IS SUPPORTING IRAN'S PROTESTS

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Reports said that Islamic Regime officials were extracting large volumes of user data from the social media platform.

Meta has quietly introduced a change to Instagram that offers users living in Iran a rare layer of privacy at a time of severe state repression and violence, limiting the visibility of follower and following lists for all accounts identified as being based in the country.

The move follows reports that Islamic Regime officials were extracting large volumes of user data from the social media platform, information that could be used to identify, monitor or target people involved in, or who knew people involved in, the recent uprisings.

The update means that anyone viewing the profile of an Instagram user based in Iran will no longer be able to see who they follow or who follows them. Instead, selecting either list on their profile now displays only a blank white screen.

Meta has a team, including regional experts, working around the clock to monitor the situation in real time and address emerging challenges. They also have a wide network of international partners that work to alert them to emerging issues and provide essential context.

While the platform was heavily used by civilians across the country before the ongoing digital blackout, this adjustment gives Iranians who have active Instagram profiles a degree of protection during one of the most dangerous periods of political unrest in years.

Protesters in Iran wave the pre-Islamic Regime flag of the nation in January 2026. Credit: INSTAGRAM / CITIZEN PHOTOGRAPH

Meta has made similar changes for other global events in the past, in response to feedback from external partners about emerging security risks.

Iran’s mass protests, led by unarmed civilians, most of whom were reportedly under 30, have been met with a brutal state response.

Rights groups say thousands have been killed as regime officials attempt to stamp out any form of dissent and identify those participating in demonstrations.

Social media had been central to how Iranians communicate, organize and share evidence of what is happening on the streets with the Iranian diaspora abroad. It was also how Iranians were able to access messages of support from President Donald Trump and opposition figure, Reza Pahlavi, Iran's exiled Iranian crown prince, but it has also created vulnerability.

Access to follower networks could allow regime officials to track social connections, map communities and exert pressure on individuals through arrests and intimidation to family members.

Instagram’s new restriction addresses one of those risks directly.

By removing visibility of followers and following lists, the company cuts off an easy way for regime officials to gather information about protesters or those who have supported and helped them, even virtually.

The quiet but consequential shift aims to shield Iranians from the government’s strong surveillance efforts. The update may not halt the violence and grief, but it can help support the safety of people living under the hostile crackdown.

Elon Musk had previously changed the Iranian flag on X to the pre-Islamic Regime flag—the lion and sun emblem—a nod to the flag held up by demonstrators in Iran and abroad. The move was applauded by Iranians on social media.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said on Sunday that close to 4,500 people had been killed in the uprisings. More than 17,000 suspected deaths are still under investigation, HRANA said. Some rights groups fear the death toll has surpassed that.

This article was updated with information from Meta.

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COVER IMAGE CREDIT: INSTAGRAM / CITIZEN PHOTOGRAPH

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