Ardavan Yousefi, a café owner in Tehran, has grown so accustomed to Iran’s extensive internet restrictions that the recent lifting of a two-year ban on WhatsApp barely registered.
“Oh, is it really unblocked now?” Yousefi asked, surprised by the news. To confirm, he turned off his virtual private network (VPN)—a tool Iranians often use to bypass government firewalls—and sent a message through the app.
While WhatsApp and Google Play services have been restored following a decision by Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace last week, many other platforms, including Instagram and Telegram, remain inaccessible.
“It doesn’t change much,” said Yousefi, 31. “I still need VPNs for most platforms I use.”
Broader Challenges
The decision to lift the WhatsApp ban comes amid economic struggles, including high inflation, a depreciating currency, years of international sanctions, and heightened tensions with Israel. Daily life has also been disrupted by energy shortages, leading to widespread closures of banks, schools, and government offices. The onset of winter has worsened air pollution, compounding public dissatisfaction.
Amir Rashidi, director of digital rights and security at the US-based Miaan Group, described the move as a minimal effort to appease the public. “WhatsApp is less popular in Iran than Instagram or Telegram, which remain blocked,” Rashidi said. He added that the ban on Google Play was lifted because it “does not pose a significant threat to the Islamic republic’s stability.”
Background on Restrictions
Iran’s authorities blocked several apps and online services following nationwide protests triggered by the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old Iranian Kurd died in custody after being arrested for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code.
The restrictions severely affected online businesses, especially those using Instagram to promote and sell products. At the time, ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi accused the platforms of fueling unrest, stating they would only be restored if their parent companies established legal representation in Iran.
Meta, the American company that owns WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, has refused to set up offices in the country, citing U.S. sanctions. Other platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) have been restricted since 2009.
Calls for Change
Current President Masoud Pezeshkian, who assumed office in July, has promised to ease internet restrictions. However, he faces resistance from conservative lawmakers, some of whom argue that loosening the controls could benefit Iran’s adversaries. Others insist that any access must comply with “Islamic values and laws.”
Critics argue that the restrictions hinder communication and stifle online business, forcing over 80% of internet users in Iran to rely on costly VPNs, according to Mehr News Agency. Reports have also hinted at plans to partially lift bans on platforms like YouTube and Telegram through “governable portals,” but no timeline has been announced.
Mixed Reactions
Sattar Hashemi, Iran’s communication minister, called the lifting of the WhatsApp ban “the first step” toward broader internet freedoms.
Amir Heidari, a 26-year-old software developer, welcomed the change. “It’s much easier now to reach my friends and family,” he said, though he remained skeptical about further reforms.
For others, like Elaheh Khojasteh, a 31-year-old fitness trainer from Ahvaz, the decision made little impact. “There are much more important concerns that need to be solved,” she said.
While the reinstatement of WhatsApp is seen by some as a positive sign, significant challenges and restrictions remain in Iran’s digital landscape.
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