Recently, Iran has seen significant changes in its internet protocols. The country has lifted the ban on the instant messaging app Whatsapp and the app store Google Play, according to state media reports. This move marks a crucial step in granting millions of Iranian users access to globally popular platforms that have been restricted for years.
The ban, imposed as part of censorship measures, had severely limited Iranians’ ability to use essential communication and app distribution services. This decision came after a meeting of the top government officials and after limited access to these platforms for many Iranian citizens.
“A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms, such as WhatsApp and Google Play,” Iran’s official IRNA news agency said on Tuesday, referring to a meeting on the matter headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
“Today the first step in removing internet limitations… has been taken,” IRNA cited Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi as saying.
The reason behind the ease of restriction is unclear. The effects of the decision are also uncertain, such as whether the lifted ban will be permanent or temporary. Additionally, it remains to be seen if the government will impose restrictions on using these apps within the country.
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