What Is the Penalty for Creating a Fake Page or Brand on Social Media in Iran?

Legal Overview of Identity and Brand Impersonation in Cyberspace

Introduction

In today’s digital age, a growing number of criminal complaints in Iran involve fake Instagram pages, WhatsApp accounts, or websites impersonating individuals or brands. Whether someone creates a profile pretending to be another person or misuses the name and logo of a registered business, such acts are considered criminal offenses under Iranian law and may lead to imprisonment, fines, and shutdown of the fake page.

This article explains:

What is considered identity or brand impersonation online

The legal consequences

The difference between personal and commercial impersonation

How to file a complaint and request page takedown

What Does "Fake Page" or "Impersonation" Mean?

Impersonation involves creating a page or profile on social media, messaging apps, or websites using:

A real person’s name, photo, job title, or personal information

A registered brand name, logo, or business identity

Fake contact info, payment links, or communication channels that imitate real ones

️ If this is done without permission, and with intent to deceive, defraud, damage reputation, or impersonate, it constitutes cyber impersonation or digital forgery.

What Laws Apply in These Cases?

Article 16 of Iran’s Computer Crimes Law:

“Anyone who, with intent to cause harm or exploit another person’s identity, alters or forges digital data or presents themselves as someone else, shall be sentenced to 91 days to 2 years in prison or a fine up to 40 million IRR, or both.”

Article 17:

“Publishing defamatory or deceptive content targeting individuals or businesses is a criminal offense.”

In cases of brand forgery, the Trademark and Commercial Signs Protection Law and Company Registry Regulations also apply.

Personal vs. Commercial Impersonation

In brand impersonation cases, civil damages may also be claimed alongside criminal prosecution.

How to File a Complaint?

Take clear screenshots of the fake page, messages, and any related transactions

Go to an Electronic Judiciary Service Office and file a cybercrime complaint under “digital forgery” or “unauthorized identity use”

In brand cases, you may also file a complaint with the Trademark Office or Chamber of Commerce

Iran’s Cyber Police (FATA) will investigate and may trace the offender using IP data and registration info

Can the Fake Page Be Taken Down?

Yes. Once a formal complaint is submitted, and the real owner’s identity is verified, FATA police can request takedown or suspension of the fake page in cooperation with platforms like Instagram or Telegram.

Conclusion

Creating a fake social media page or impersonating a brand or individual is not just unethical — it is a criminal act under Iranian law. This offense may result in imprisonment, fines, content removal, and compensation claims by the victim.

Alemohammad Law Office is experienced in handling digital impersonation cases and provides full legal support — including complaint filing, defense representation, cyber police coordination, and removal of fake pages — for clients inside Iran and Iranians abroad.

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For a consultation with a specialist attorney, contact Alemohammad Law Office.

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