Iran reverses strict internet restrictions, lifts ban on Google Play and WhatsApp

The Islamic Republic of Iran has long restricted the use of foreign online services and platforms, but has now clearly indicated that it is finally changing its policy to allow their use. As a first step, the app store 'Google Play' and the messaging app 'WhatsApp' will be lifted.

Iran unblocks WhatsApp, Google Play - IRNA English

Iran to lift ban on WhatsApp, Google Play, state media report | Internet News | Al Jazeera

Iran frees WhatsApp and Google Play, keeps tight grip on others | Iran International
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202412247722

Iran's Supreme Council for Cyberspace, at a meeting in Tehran, confirmed its intention to lift restrictions on foreign companies' access to widely used platforms.

Iran has long had measures in place to restrict the use of foreign platforms and services. For example, popular social media platforms such as Facebook and social services such as YouTube were banned in 2009.

In 2022, the Kurdish woman who protested against the dress code for Muslim women
In the same year that Massa Amini died in custody, and following nationwide protests, the government added social media platform Instagram and messaging app WhatsApp, which had previously been tolerated, to its restricted list, and also banned the purchase and sale of VPNs.

Since the majority of Iranians use VPNs to access foreign services, the VPN ban caused quite a stir as it effectively banned everyone in the country from using foreign services.

However, the situation changed with the election of Massoud Pezeshkian, who pledged to ease internet regulations, in the July 2024 presidential election. The Supreme Council of Cyberspace also now has a majority in favor of internet deregulation.

As the first step in the deregulation measures, Google Play and WhatsApp will become available, but it is not yet clear when this decision will take effect.

Furthermore, while this is merely a 'first step,' it is not clear what products will be subject to further deregulation or when it will occur.

Social media is widely used in Iran to protest against the government, and President Pezechkian's policies can be described as quite innovative.