Ayatollah Khamenei's brief Hebrew-language account on X was suspended, raising questions about social media policies, selective enforcement, and digital diplomacy.
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| Khamenei’s Hebrew-language X account was suspended just hours after its launch, raising questions on social media policies and selective enforcement. Image: Collected |
Tehran, Iran - October 28, 2024:
The suspension of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Hebrew-language account on X (formerly Twitter) after only a day underscores the complex intersection of social media policies, geopolitical tensions, and digital diplomacy. The account’s brief existence marks an unusual attempt by Iran’s Supreme Leader to directly address Hebrew-speaking audiences, a move that aligns with Khamenei’s long-standing opposition to Israel but also hints at his strategy to influence Israeli public sentiment.
X's policy on accounts representing state actors complicates this suspension. While the platform generally allows state figures to maintain accounts, especially to facilitate dialogue or transparency, it also prohibits posts that promote "violence and hatred." Khamenei’s inaugural post, targeting the “Zionist regime” and expressing Iran’s resolve, walks a fine line within this policy. Despite similar rhetoric from other global leaders that remains on the platform, Khamenei’s account was promptly shut down, which may signal a selective enforcement approach based on content or geopolitical considerations.
This incident is not isolated; earlier this year, Meta suspended Khamenei’s accounts on Facebook and Instagram, which Iran condemned as “illegal and immoral.” The rapid shutdowns of these social media accounts demonstrate the challenges platforms face when managing content from controversial figures, especially those representing regimes considered hostile or adversarial by many Western nations.
Khamenei’s use of social media to communicate in Hebrew also represents a strategic shift. For years, Iran's stance toward Israel has been communicated indirectly through speeches and statements aimed at international audiences. By opening a Hebrew account, Khamenei may have aimed to connect directly with Israeli citizens, potentially to influence public opinion or stir political conversations within Israel. Although short-lived, this move illustrates the evolving role of social media in statecraft, where leaders target specific audiences in their opponents' countries to amplify influence across borders.
Ultimately, Khamenei's attempt and X's swift response reveal the delicate balancing act social media platforms must navigate. Balancing free speech, security concerns, and policies on "hate" or "violence" is complex, especially when intertwined with global power dynamics. This incident may prompt further examination of how platforms handle similar cases in the future, as well as discussions around fair enforcement and transparency in content moderation decisions.