Iranian Tech Freedom: Unlocking WhatsApp and Google Play Access
Iran has lifted its two-year ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, allowing residents to access these services without the need for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
This decision marks a significant shift in the country’s internet policy, which had previously imposed strict restrictions on various online platforms.
The ban was initially implemented during the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, who was detained by the morality police for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code.
The Iranian government had justified its censorship as a means to prevent opposition groups and “enemy countries” from using social media platforms to incite unrest and threaten national security.
While the unblocking of WhatsApp and Google Play is a positive development, other major platforms such as Instagram, Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube remain restricted. This partial lifting of the ban indicates a cautious approach by the Iranian government towards easing internet restrictions.
The unblocking of WhatsApp and Google Play has been widely covered in Iran’s official media, with some newspapers optimistically headlining the event as “Cracks in the Wall of Censorship.” However, others view it as a “slow advance” towards full internet freedom.
Despite these restrictions, many Iranians continue to access international platforms through VPNs. According to Saeedreza Ameli, a member of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, 97% of Iranians aged 15 to 17 use VPNs to access blocked content.