US places sanctions on Iran's internet censorship firm amid freedom protests

US imposed sanctions on Iranian technology company Arvan Cloud for helping the Iranian government censor the internet and surveil data.
Arvan Cloud has close ties to Iran's intelligence services and government officials.
Arvan Cloud played a key role in developing Iran's censored national intranet that the government controls.
The sanctions target Arvan Cloud, its co-founders, and its UAE affiliate, blocking their access to US property and business.
The sanctions come as Iran faces protests over civil liberties and economic turmoil.