Millions of Iranians and supporters around the world are demanding dignity, freedom and respect for their identity. In the past fortnight, protests have spread to all 31 provinces of Iran as people call for justice and basic human rights. The Iranian authorities have responded with internet blackouts, mass arrests and lethal force, while the Supreme Leader blames foreign interference instead of listening to the voices of his own citizens.

International leaders, including the European Union’s foreign policy chief, members of the European Parliament, and senior officials in the United States, Israel and Germany, have publicly condemned the violent suppression of protestors and expressed solidarity with the rights of Iranians to peaceful assembly and basic freedoms.

Right now, the default “🇮🇷” emoji used on global keyboards represents the emblem of the Islamic Republic. This symbol does not reflect the cultural heritage, history, or aspirations of millions of Iranians who are calling for change. It represents a regime that supports global terrorism by funding militant groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and the PMF, among many others. A regime that has built its power on the blood of its own people for nearly half a century. A regime that has committed countless crimes, killed hundreds of thousands of unarmed and innocent protesters in the streets, and executed countless others without fair trials or due process.

For many in the Iranian diaspora and inside the country, the Lion and Sun flag represents the nation’s deep cultural roots and the people’s yearning for freedom. This symbol has appeared in demonstrations and social media around the world as a unifying emblem of Iranian identity that is separate from political violence or division.

We ask Google, Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and other major tech companies to update their keyboard emoji for Iran so that it includes, or defaults to, the historic Lion and Sun design on all platforms and devices. This change would recognise the diversity of Iranian voices, respect cultural heritage, and acknowledge the courage of ordinary people standing up for their rights.

Tech platforms have the power to show the world’s cultures accurately. Stand with the Iranian people. Restore their historic symbol on keyboards used by billions every day.

Why this matters?

A flag emoji is more than a tiny icon. It’s part of daily digital life, used in messages, posts and global conversations. Changing it to reflect a symbol chosen by the people themselves would be an act of respect and solidarity with ordinary Iranians, not an endorsement of any specific political agenda.