An Iranian judge has ordered Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to appear in court over charges that his company’s social media apps violate the privacy of Iranians, according to reports.
Iran, which is among the world’s leaders in executions and hangings, bars its citizens from accessing popular social media platforms such as Twitter. However, it maintains that Zuckerberg’s Intagram and WhatsApp programs are violating privacy laws.
The apps have now reportedly been blocked and Zuckerberg ordered to appear in court in Iran.
The Times of Israel reports:
Another Iranian court last week had ordered Instagram blocked over privacy concerns. However, users in the capital, Tehran, still could access both applications around noon Tuesday. In Iran, websites and Internet applications have sometimes been reported blocked but remain operational.
Facebook is already banned in the country, along with other social websites like Twitter and YouTube.