Iranian authorities have removed the ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, marking the first step in loosening the country’s strict internet controls. The news was shared by Iranian state media on Tuesday.
Iran is known for its heavy internet restrictions, blocking platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. However, many Iranians bypass these restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access blocked platforms.
According to IRNA, Iran’s official news agency, “A positive majority vote has been reached to lift restrictions on popular foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Google Play.” This decision followed a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Sattar Hashemi, Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology, was quoted saying, “Today, the first step to ease internet restrictions has been taken.”
Social media has played a significant role in anti-government protests in Iran, becoming a tool for communication and organization.
In September, the United States urged Big Tech companies to support efforts to bypass censorship in heavily restricted countries like Iran.
