December 25, Tehran, Iran: According to the Islamic Republic news Agency (IRNA), Iranian officials have formally lifted the ban on google Play Store and WhatsApp, marking a dramatic change in the nation's internet regulations.
Following a meeting with senior government officials, the move signals a new stage in the lifting of internet blockades that have long limited access to important international sites.
Heads of the three levels of government, ministers, and supreme Council members attended a meeting on tuesday where the main topic of discussion was evaluating and modifying laws pertaining to internet control and limits.Changes to the current internet limitations were agreed by the council after assessments from the appropriate authorities were presented.
In a subsequent announcement on X (previously Twitter), Iran's minister of Information and Communications Technology, Sattar Hashemi, said, "Today, we took the first step towards lifting internet restrictions with unity and collaboration." For their efforts, I want to thank the President, the media, and the activists. This solidarity is more important than ever. This journey goes on.
According to the IRNA, the decision to lift the ban is in line with the Iranian government's larger strategy for overseeing its wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital environment, which emphasises the necessity of supporting domestic platforms while simultaneously highlighting the significance of regulated cyberspace administration.
One of President Masoud Pezeshkian's main campaign pledges was to abolish internet restrictions, and this action represents an early execution of that promise.
Notwithstanding the advancements, the government has highlighted that its strategy will continue to place a higher priority on the creation and utilisation of regional platforms in addition to the return of international services like google Play and WhatsApp, according to the IRNA.
Although it is yet too early to fully evaluate the wider effects of these reforms on individual users and local companies, the relaxation of limitations is a major advancement for internet freedom in Iran.
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