First step in removing Internet curbs
Iran cyberspace council votes to lift ban on WhatsApp, Google Play
Iran’s top council responsible for safeguarding the Internet voted Tuesday to lift a ban on the popular messaging application WhatsApp, as well as digital distribution service Google Play Store, which have been subject to restrictions for over two years.
“Ban on WhatsApp and Google Play was removed by unanimous vote of the members of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace,” IRNA reported, adding that “this is the first step in the plan to remove restrictions.”
During the council’s 104th meeting, the members emphasized the importance of lawful governance in cyberspace and unanimously voted in favor of lifting access restrictions to some widely used foreign platforms, including WhatsApp and Google Play.
The meeting was attended by the heads of the three branches of government, ministers, and members of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace.
During the meeting, the members stressed the importance of supporting domestic platforms.
Iranians often bypass the government-imposed ban on the Internet by utilizing Virtual Private Network (VPN) software applications, which make their computer appear to be located in another country. Censoring the Internet, which is being monitored by the country’s Internet Censorship Committee, led by the prosecutor general, restricts users from accessing websites and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and YouTube, due to their offensive and criminal content.