Iran has lifted its ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, marking the first step in scaling back its strict internet restrictions, according to Iranian state media reports on Tuesday. The move, which was confirmed by the IRNA news agency, follows a decision made by a majority vote in a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
This is part of a broader shift in Iran’s approach to internet access, as the country has historically maintained some of the toughest controls on online platforms. Despite bans on U.S.-based social media services like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, many Iranians bypass these restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs).
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Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi noted that this decision represents the first step in easing internet limitations in the country. The move comes after social media platforms played a pivotal role in organizing anti-government protests in Iran.
In response to Iran’s online censorship, the United States has urged major tech companies to help circumvent internet restrictions in countries like Iran.
