Iranian authorities have lifted the ban on WhatsApp and the Google Play Store after a meeting with top government officials. The decision marks a shift in the country's internet policies, fulfilling a key promise made by President Masoud Pezeshkian during his campaign.

Iran has officially lifted the ban on WhatsApp and the Google Play Store, signaling a significant shift in its internet policy. This move, part of President Masoud Pezeshkian's commitment to easing internet restrictions,

Iran plans to ease its strict internet restrictions, starting with unblocking WhatsApp and Google Play, following a unanimous decision by the Supreme Council of Cyberspace. This move, tied to reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian’s promises.

Iranian authorities remove restrictions on Meta's messaging platform WhatsApp and on Google Play, marking an initial move to ease internet limitations.

Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta’s instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play as a first step to scale back internet restrictions.

Many people reached by The Associated Press across the capital, Tehran, and other cities said they had access to the services on computers but not yet on mobile phones. WhatsApp has been the third most popular messaging platform in Iran after Instagram and Telegram.

The move has sparked a debate in Iran, with critics of the restrictions arguing the controls were costly for the country

Iran’s government has faced criticism for years from ordinary Iranians, Western governments, the United Nations, and political activists for its draconian attitude toward the internet.

The Supreme Cyberspace Council, which is tasked with safeguarding the internet for Iranian citizens, voted unanimously to lift restrictions on a number of foreign-owned applications during a meeting today,