Iran has lifted its ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, marking a step towards reducing internet restrictions. This follows a decision to pause a strict hijab law. These changes reflect growing tensions between governmental control and public demand for freedom, particularly following widespread protests.
The Iranian government has officially lifted the ban on the widely-used messaging platform WhatsApp and the Google Play store, indicating a tentative step towards reducing the country’s staunch internet restrictions. According to reports from state media, a decision reached during a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian allows for access to these platforms, which many tech-savvy Iranians previously bypassed using tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs). Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi confirmed that “the first step in removing internet limitations… has been taken.” This policy update follows significant protests against government regulations and comes at a time when international calls for support against internet censorship in Iran are being emphasized by the United States.
In a related development, Iran has paused the enforcement of a contentious new hijab law that would impose stricter regulations on women’s dress codes. Initially passed by the Iranian parliament, the law aimed to enforce harsher penalties against women who do not adhere to hijab mandates and their business proprietors. However, following discussions, it was decided by the Vice President of Parliamentary Affairs, Shahram Dabiri, that “this law will not be referred to the government by the parliament for now.” This move is perceived as a tactical maneuver by President Pezeshkian, who is reportedly seeking to engage in diplomatic discussions with Western powers regarding existing sanctions on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iran is known for its stringent internet censorship, limiting access to various foreign social media platforms. Recent movements towards lifting restrictions on services such as WhatsApp and Google Play are significant, especially considering the role of social media in organizing anti-government protests. The Iranian administration’s decision to pause a newly approved hijab law reflects ongoing tensions between government regulations and public sentiment, particularly concerning women’s rights and freedoms.
The recent lifting of the WhatsApp and Google Play ban marks an important, albeit cautious, step towards easing internet restrictions in Iran, a country well-known for heavy censorship. Concurrently, the decision to halt the enforcement of a stricter hijab law indicates a potential shift in governmental policy regarding women’s rights, as President Pezeshkian navigates both internal and external pressures. These developments suggest an evolving landscape in Iran’s approach to civil liberties and international relations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
