Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp, gives indication of Internet Freedom

There are signs of relaxation in internet restrictions in Iran, which has been following fundamentalist rules and laws for the last several decades. Iran has said that it will lift the ban on instant messaging platform WhatsApp. Along with this, Google Play will also be allowed to operate.

Iran has been facing economic difficulties for many years. Due to not stopping the nuclear program, many western countries including America have imposed strict sanctions on it. Islamic Republic of Iran news agency According to, the Supreme Council of Cyberspace has approved the lifting of the ban on some foreign internet platforms. There were large-scale protests in Iran in 2009 against the re-election of radical Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Since then, social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube and X were banned. Social media were said to be responsible for the demonstrations against the government of Iran and strengthening the opposition.

Last year, terrorist organization Hamas had launched a major attack on Israel. Since then, Israel has carried out attacks to destroy the networks of Hamas and Hezbollah in countries like Palestine and Lebanon. Iran is also facing difficulties due to supporting these terrorist organizations.

Nearly two years ago, the government shut down the Internet in Iran to curb protests sparked by the death of a woman in police custody for violating the dress code. Iranian police detained 22-year-old Mahsa Amini for allegedly wearing a scarf incorrectly. There were massive protests after Mahsa’s death in police custody. The protesters also clashed with the police and were demanding the removal of the government. To control them, the police used lathicharge as well as other strict methods. Security forces used batons, tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters. Some people also lost their lives due to clashes with the police in these demonstrations. There is a big crisis of fuel and natural gas in Iran. Because of this it has become difficult to run the industry.