Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp, Google Play, ease internet restrictions
Iranian authorities lifted the ban on Meta's WhatsApp and Google Play, marking the first step towards easing the country's strict internet restrictions, state media reported on Tuesday.Iran, known for having some of the strictest internet controls in the world, routinely blocks access to platforms based in the United States, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. However, many technologically savvy Iranians use virtual private networks to circumvent these restrictions.
The decision to allow access to WhatsApp and Google Play was made following a high-level meeting chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian. "A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play," the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
Sattar Hashemi, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, described the move as a significant development, saying, "Today, the first step towards removing internet limitations has been taken."
Social media platforms have played a critical role in Iran's anti-government protests, allowing citizens to organise and share information despite government restrictions.
The US has previously urged big tech companies to assist in circumventing online censorship in heavily restricted countries, including Iran.
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