Iranian officials have described the decision to permit access to WhatsApp and Google Play as the "first step in removing internet limitations." Despite this move, the country continues to maintain strict and oppressive internet controls.

Iranian authorities have announced the lifting of a ban on Meta's messaging platform WhatsApp and the Google Play app purchasing service as a preliminary measure to reduce internet restrictions, according to state media reports.

Iran's official news agency, IRNA, stated that a "positive majority vote" was achieved during a meeting chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian, allowing access to these widely-used platforms. The report highlights that this decision marks the beginning of efforts to ease the country's stringent internet limitations.

The Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Sattar Hashemi, described the development as "the first step in removing internet limitations." Iran is known for its rigorous internet control policies, which include blocking access to prominent US-based social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Messaging service Telegram has also been inaccessible since a court-ordered ban was imposed in April 2018. Despite these measures, many Iranians rely on virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent these restrictions.

Social media platforms have played a critical role in facilitating anti-government protests in Iran, prompting the authorities to enforce tight controls. Meanwhile, in September, the United States urged major technology companies to aid in bypassing online censorship in countries like Iran, where strict internet regulations are in place.