Iranian authorities have reportedly approved lifting the ban on Meta's WhatsApp and Google Play, state media reported. The decision marks the first step in scaling back the country’s extensive digital limitations. The announcement, made by the official IRNA news agency, follows a meeting chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian. “A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play,” IRNA stated on Tuesday, reported Reuters. Pezeshkian, who assumed office in July, had pledged to address Iran’s restrictive internet policies.
Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi described the decision as a pivotal step, though an implementation timeline remains unclear.
Strict Restrictions
Iran has maintained strict controls over internet access, with several platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, blocked since 2009. WhatsApp and Instagram joined the list in 2022 after widespread protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian woman who died in police custody. The unrest led to hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests.
While many Iranians bypass these restrictions using VPNs, the latest decision has reignited debate. Critics argue that internet curbs have been costly and ineffective. Presidential adviser Ali Rabiei remarked on X, “The restrictions have achieved nothing but anger and added costs to people’s lives.”
Lawmakers Voice Concerns
However, opposition to the move persists. A group of 136 lawmakers voiced concerns, urging the government to ensure that foreign platforms align with Iran's Islamic values and legal framework. Reformist publication Shargh Daily highlighted these objections, with some legislators labelling the decision as potentially harmful to national security.
Iran’s internet policies have faced global criticism, with countries like the United States urging technology companies to counter online censorship. As of now, platforms like Facebook and YouTube remain blocked, and the timeline for unrestricted access to WhatsApp and Google Play is yet to be determined.
