Iran internet restrictions: Dubai, December 24 (Reuters) Iranian authorities have decided to lift the ban on the popular messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play. The information was reported by Iranian state media on Tuesday. The move is seen as the first step towards gradually easing strict internet restrictions in the country
Iran is known for imposing some of the world’s strictest internet controls. Despite bans on U.S.-based social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, tech-savvy Iranians frequently bypass these restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs).
According to Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, a positive decision was reached during a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian to remove restrictions on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Google Play.
Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Sattar Hashemi, stated, “Today, the first step in lifting internet restrictions has been taken.”
It is noteworthy that social media platforms were widely used during anti-government protests in Iran. In September, the United States urged major tech companies to assist in overcoming online censorship in countries like Iran, where heavy internet restrictions are imposed.
