Iran Lifts Ban on WhatsApp and Google Play
Iran has lifted its ban on WhatsApp and Google Play in what state media describes as the first step toward easing internet restrictions in the country. The decision, announced Tuesday, marks a significant shift in policy for a nation known for its stringent online censorship.
The state-run IRNA news agency reported that a “positive majority vote” was reached during a meeting chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian to remove access limitations on these popular platforms. Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Sattar Hashemi, hailed the move as “the first step in removing internet limitations.”
Iran has long imposed some of the world’s strictest controls on internet access, with bans on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. However, many Iranians have relied on virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass these restrictions. The decision to lift the bans on WhatsApp and Google Play comes as part of efforts to address growing demands for freer internet access.
Social media platforms have played a pivotal role in organizing and amplifying anti-government protests in Iran, contributing to their widespread use despite government crackdowns. The move to lift restrictions on these platforms could signal an attempt by authorities to navigate domestic and international pressures.
In September, the United States urged major technology companies to help citizens in heavily censored countries, including Iran, circumvent online restrictions. The latest development may reflect shifting dynamics in Iran’s approach to digital access and communication freedoms.
