WhatsApp ban lifted in Iran

In a significant move towards loosening internet restrictions, Iran's Supreme Council of Cyberspace voted on Tuesday to lift the ban on the WhatsApp messaging app, which had been in place for over two years. 

The decision was unanimously approved by council members, as reported by the official Irna news agency.

"The ban on WhatsApp and Google Play has been lifted, marking the first step in a broader plan to ease restrictions," the agency stated. Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi hailed the decision on X, calling it "a first step towards lifting internet restrictions with consensus."

The Iranian government initially blocked Instagram and WhatsApp following widespread protests in 2022 sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained for violating the country’s strict dress code. 

These platforms were among the most popular in the country, especially after earlier bans on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and TikTok.

Critics of the internet restrictions have argued that the bans have been economically damaging and socially disruptive. 

On Tuesday, presidential adviser Ali Rabiei echoed this sentiment, stating on X, "These restrictions have brought nothing but anger and additional costs for citizens."

Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif also expressed his support for the decision, noting that President Massoud Pezeshkian opposes the bans. "The president believes that removing restrictions is in the best interest of the people and the country," Zarif said.

Pushback from Conservatives

Despite the positive reception in some quarters, the decision faced significant opposition from conservative lawmakers. 

President Pezeshkian, who assumed office in July 2024, made easing internet restrictions a central promise during his campaign. 

In March, an Iranian minister announced that the government would allow international platforms to operate in the country if they agreed to open local offices. However, Meta, the U.S.-based owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has indicated it has no plans to establish a presence in Iran, citing the country’s harsh U.S. sanctions regime.

In response to years of online restrictions, many Iranians have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass censorship. Meanwhile, the government has developed local alternatives to replace foreign platforms. For navigation, apps such as "Neshan" and "Balad" are available, while "Snapp!" and "Tapsi" provide ridesharing services. Messaging apps like "Bale," "Ita," "Rubika," and "Soroush" have also gained traction, offering similar functionalities to their international counterparts.

The lifting of the WhatsApp ban could signal a shift in Iran’s approach to internet governance. However, major platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube remain blocked, with Telegram banned since 2018. For many Iranians, the move is a small but significant step towards greater digital freedom.

As President Pezeshkian seeks to balance reformist promises with conservative pushback, the road to open internet access in Iran remains uncertain but filled with cautious optimism.