Iranian authorities have announced the lifting of a ban on Meta’s WhatsApp and Google Play, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to ease its strict internet controls.
The decision, reported by Iranian state media on Tuesday, signals the beginning of a policy shift that may lead to the reduction of broader internet restrictions.
For years, Iran has maintained some of the world’s most stringent internet censorship laws, blocking access to numerous foreign social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Despite these restrictions, tech-savvy Iranians have routinely circumvented these blocks using virtual private networks (VPNs), allowing them to access banned services and platforms.
According to the official IRNA news agency, a “positive majority vote” was reached during a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian to lift the restrictions on widely-used platforms like WhatsApp and Google Play.
The Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Sattar Hashemi, confirmed that this move represents the “first step in removing internet limitations,” marking a potential turning point in the country’s digital policies.
The timing of this development is significant, as social media platforms, including WhatsApp, were prominently used during anti-government protests in Iran.
These protests, which gained momentum in recent years, were often fueled by the widespread use of social media for organizing, spreading information, and voicing dissent.
As a result, the Iranian government has faced increasing international pressure to reduce internet censorship.
In September, the United States urged major technology companies to assist in circumventing online censorship in countries with heavy restrictions, including Iran.
The recent policy change could be seen as an initial response to such calls, reflecting a possible shift toward greater digital openness in the country.
This move, however, does not signal the complete lifting of Iran’s internet controls, as many other platforms remain blocked, and censorship continues to be a sensitive issue for the government.
Nonetheless, the unblocking of WhatsApp and Google Play marks an important first step towards a more open internet landscape in Iran.
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