Iran is advancing legislation that would make it a criminal offence for citizens, journalists, and researchers to contact foreign media or organisations without prior approval from the intelligence ministry, with penalties of six months to two years in prison. Human rights groups warn the bill — currently being debated by Iranian lawmakers — could extend to social media platforms deemed foreign-financed, such as Instagram and X, effectively cutting Iranian society off from the outside world. The move comes as photojournalist Yalda Moaiery was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison for her coverage of last year's US-Israeli war on Iran, a case rights advocates say illustrates the severe and escalating risks facing anyone who documents events for international audiences.