Iranian authorities have officially lifted the ban on WhatsApp and the Google Play Store, marking a significant shift in the country’s internet restrictions, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
This decision, made following a meeting with top government officials, represents a step toward relaxing internet blockades that have limited access to major global platforms for some time.
On Tuesday, a meeting was convened with the heads of all three branches of government, along with ministers and members of the Supreme Council, to discuss reviewing and modifying internet governance and restriction policies.
After assessing feedback from relevant authorities, the council approved changes to the current internet restrictions.
Sattar Hashemi, Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology, later announced the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the government took “the first step towards lifting internet restrictions with unity and collaboration.” He expressed gratitude to the President, media, and activists for their efforts and emphasized the need for continued solidarity on this path.
The decision to lift the ban aligns with the Iranian government’s broader strategy to manage its digital landscape, highlighting the importance of regulated cyberspace governance while also supporting domestic platforms, as reported by the IRNA.
Lifting internet restrictions was a key promise made by President Masoud Pezeshkian during his campaign, and this decision represents an early fulfillment of that commitment.
However, the government has stressed that it will continue to prioritize the development and use of local platforms while reintroducing global services like WhatsApp and Google Play, according to the IRNA.
As these changes take effect, the overall impact on local businesses and individual users will be assessed, but the easing of restrictions is a significant step forward for internet freedom in Iran.
