Iran’s hardliners see threat in Net

But they are at risk of losing that window to the world as Islamic conservatives move to restrict internet use as they have done with foreign satellite television. Their aim is to blot out the ‘‘immoral’’ effects of Western culture. Says Haleh, a young woman, ‘‘I’m worried about being denied access to my favourite sites. I don’t approve of immoral sites, but the question is who decides what is or is not moral,’’ Haleh added.

A latecomer to the internet age, Iran began last month to block pornography and other sites deemed obscene or subversive. Some 70 youngsters were arrested in March for meeting through an illegal online dating site, newspapers reported, suggesting the authorities had monitored a chat-room they used.

In April, Sina Motallebi became the first blogger to be arrested He was freed on bail three weeks later but still faces undisclosed charges. Women have been especially active bloggers, seizing the opportunity to speak out freely and anonymously on subjects such as dating and romance.

But, growing tension with the US has prompted hardliners to tighten control . Iran’s conservatives also seek to counter reformist and dissident groups using the Net to reach the public. (Reuters)