The internet provides many sites where individuals can create petitions for others to sign. Generally, two items are necessary to validate a petition signature: 1) the signer's IP address and 2) the signer's valid email address. This information is recorded, and the petition creator as well as the petition site sponsor typically have access to it.

If your internet service originates from inside Iran, or if you are outside Iran but have family there, be sure that you are using a safe, anti-filter/privacy application like Tor or Haystack, so that when you sign a petition, the IP address recorded cannot be traced back to your home machine. Additionally, you'll need a valid email address that cannot be traced back to your internet service provider (ISP) in Iran or to your ISP elsewhere.

We make these suggestions primarily because anyone can create a petition on the internet. Most are sincere efforts to help others, but it's possible for a person to create a petition with apparent valid purpose, yet the creator intends only to record the IP and email addresses of those who sign it, for whatever reason. Unlikely, but possible, so if your internet connection originates from inside Iran, or if you are outside Iran but have family there, make sure you are on the safe side before signing anyone's petition. Thank you.