Instagram Filtering from the Need for National Security to the Violation of Freedom of Expression as a Human Right from Students' Perspective

With the rapid development of information technology, achievements such as quick and easy access and the exponential increase of its penetration in society and reckless expression of information, regardless of its accuracy and inaccuracy, has become a sensitive issue in national security. The need to preserve freedom of expression, as one of the most important fundamental human rights in human rights instruments for the transmission of messages and information, has also posed serious challenges to societies.

The present study is applied in terms of purpose. Its statistical population includes students of universities in Maragheh city who were studying in this city in the 98-97 academic year. In this study, the sample size was estimated to be 400 using Cochran's relation. Sampling was performed by simple disproportionate and random stratified method and data were collected through a questionnaire.

The findings of this study show that there is a direct relationship between proper use of social networks, public education, students' trust in the media, the importance of maintaining national security and maintaining freedom of expression with Instagram filtering. The result is that the overlap of freedom of expression with the need for national security led to the inference in this regard, the needs to filter the Instagram virtual network as an important step in maintaining, ensuring and stabilizing national security.