Official statements from Iranian authorities or state media

Iran's Supreme Council of Cyberspace Unanimously Lifts WhatsApp, Google Play Ban After 2 Years

Dec 25, 2024, 12:18 AM

Iran's Supreme Council of Cyberspace has voted unanimously to lift the ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, marking the first step in easing the country's stringent internet restrictions that have been in place for over two years. The decision, announced by the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), follows President Masoud Pezeshkian's campaign promise to relax internet freedoms for Iranians. This move is seen as an effort to address domestic discontent amid economic and foreign policy challenges. The process of lifting cyberspace restrictions is expected to be ongoing and multi-staged, according to IRNA. However, the decision has sparked debate, with critics arguing that the restrictions were costly and ineffective, while some lawmakers have expressed concerns that lifting the bans could be a 'gift to Iran's enemies' unless the platforms align with Islamic values and Iranian laws.