Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta’s WhatsApp and Google Play, marking a first step to reduce internet restrictions, according to Iranian state media reports on Tuesday.
The Islamic Republic maintains some of the strictest internet access controls globally. However, many tech-savvy Iranians routinely bypass blocks on U.S.-based social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube by using virtual private networks.
Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported that a positive majority vote was reached to remove limitations on popular foreign platforms, including WhatsApp and Google Play. This decision followed a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Sattar Hashemi, stated that this action represents the first step in lifting internet restrictions.
Social media platforms played a significant role during anti-government protests in Iran.
In September, the United States urged Big Tech companies to assist in evading online censorship in countries with heavy internet restrictions, including Iran.
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