Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp, Google Play

Tehran: Iran has taken the first step to ease internet restrictions by lifting the ban on Meta's messaging platform ‘WhatsApp’ and ‘Google Play’.

According to foreign media, Iran has some of the strictest controls on internet access in the world, but tech-savvy Iranians use American social media apps such as Facebook, X, and YouTube through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Iran's state news agency ‘IRNA’ reported, citing a meeting chaired by President Masoud Peshkeshian, that it was agreed to lift restrictions on some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play.

IRNA quoted Iran's Minister of Information and Communication Technology Sattar Hashemi as saying that the first step was taken today to lift internet restrictions. Social media platforms have been widely used in anti-government protests in Iran.

In September, the United States called on Big Tech to help avoid online censorship in countries that heavily censor the internet, including Iran.