Iran's authorities have decided to lift the ban on using WhatsApp and Google Play applications that have been inaccessible to citizens for over two years. The relevant decision was made by the High Council for Information Security of the country, approving a majority of votes.
WhatsApp and Google Play were blocked in September 2022 after mass protests that broke out through the death of 22-year-old Mahi Amini. The young woman was detained by police officers for supposedly improper wearing a hijab. Her death has caused widespread public resonance and caused a wave of indignation against the repressive policy of Iranian authorities.
Despite the unlocking of two popular services, many other platforms remain inaccessible in Iran. In particular, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X (previously Twitter) have been banned since 2009. Also, TikTok and Telegram do not work in the country.
The new President of Iran Masud Pesashkian has previously promised to soften the Internet Censorship. Opening access to WhatsApp and Google Play can be the first step in making this promise. However, much of the digital platforms still remains under constraints that are criticized by both citizens and the international community.
