![An array of high-level officials, presidential candidates, and figures from across the Iranian political spectrum have used Clubhouse [Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images]](http://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/GettyImages-1231054164.jpg?resize=270%2C180)
Audio-chat app is being touted by some as a beacon of democracy and freedom of expression. It’s not that simple.
![It is unclear whether the Omani ban on Clubhouse is temporary or an attempt to muzzle freedom of speech [File: Mark Schiefelbein/AP]](http://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AP_21074326915175.jpg?resize=270%2C180)
Oman has ‘forbidden the app because it was operating without a proper licence’ an Omani official told AP.
![The concept is simple: Once you are invited to join, you can start or listen to conversations in digital 'rooms', ranging from a major talk by someone famous to a chat within a small group [Odd Andersen/AFP]](http://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Clubhouse-AFp.jpg?resize=270%2C180)
Invitation-only audio chat app exploded in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic when people couldn’t get together.
