Iran Lifts WhatsApp And Google Play Bans, Initial Steps To Easing Internet
JAKARTA The Iranian government has lifted the ban on Meta's WhatsApp instant messaging platform and Google Play app distribution services as the first step in easing internet restrictions. This was reported by Iran's official media on Tuesday, December 24.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is known to have one of the strictest internet controls in the world. However, the ban on US-based social media such as Facebook, X, and YouTube is often tricked by Iranians who understand technology through the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN).
The majority of positive votes have been achieved to lift access restrictions to several popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play, reported Iran's official news agency, IRNA, citing the results of a meeting chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
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Iran's Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Sattar Hasemi, called this revocation a first step towards removing internet restrictions. "Today, the first step in removing internet restrictions has been taken," said Hasemi as quoted by IRNA.
Social media has become an important tool in anti-government protests in Iran. In September, the United States had asked major technology companies to help address online censorship in countries with strict internet surveillance, including Iran.