In a significant policy shift, Iran has lifted the ban on Meta's WhatsApp messaging platform and Google Play, marking a preliminary step toward scaling back its stringent internet restrictions, according to Iranian state media cited by Reuters on Tuesday.
Iran is known for having some of the strictest internet controls globally. However, tech-savvy Iranians frequently bypass these restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access popular platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
"A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play," the official IRNA news agency reported, referring to a high-level meeting chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Sattar Hashemi, Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology, confirmed the development, stating, "Today, the first step in removing internet limitations... has been taken."
The Role of Social Media in Iran
Social media platforms have been instrumental in anti-government protests across the country. In September, the United States urged Big Tech companies to assist in bypassing online censorship in heavily regulated countries like Iran.
Stricter Hijab Law Put on Hold
In a parallel development, Iran has paused the implementation of a controversial and stricter law on women's hijab, according to reports from the Associated Press. The legislation, approved by the Iranian parliament in September, proposed harsher penalties for women refusing to wear the hijab and for businesses that serve them.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian had previously expressed reservations about the law, which he viewed as a potential obstacle to resuming negotiations with Western nations over sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear program.
Shahram Dabiri, Vice President for Parliamentary Affairs, stated, "According to the discussions held, it was decided that this law will not be referred to the government by the parliament for now."
Had the bill been sent to the government, President Pezeshkian would have been legally obligated to endorse it within five days, leading to its enforcement 15 days later. The president does not have veto power over parliamentary bills.
Pezeshkian could potentially appeal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds the ultimate authority in Iran, to intervene and halt the bill.
Implications
These developments signify a potential shift in Iran's domestic policies, reflecting a delicate balance between addressing internal demands and managing external pressures. Whether these moves signal a long-term strategy or a temporary concession remains to be seen.
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