In Iran, a long-standing ban on the use of the WhatsApp messenger and the Google Play application was lifted. The restrictions were in effect for more than two years. About this informs The Times of Israel.
“The ban on WhatsApp and Google Play was lifted by a unanimous decision of the members of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace”, – says the message.
This decision was adopted unanimously. The council is chaired by the President of Iran, and includes the speaker of the parliament, the head of the judiciary and a number of ministers. However, it is not yet clear when the decision will come into effect.
“Today, we unanimously and on the basis of consensus took the first step towards lifting restrictions on the Internet”, – said the Minister of Communications of Iran, Sattar Hashemi.
The lifting of the ban caused wide discussions in the country. Critics emphasize that the restrictions have only led to growing discontent among the population and additional costs. Presidential adviser Ali Rabia noted that the bans did not bring any benefit, instead harming people.
At the same time, there are opponents of such a decision in the parliament. The reformist Shargh daily reported that 136 of the 290 parliamentarians sent a letter to the council warning that lifting the restrictions could be a “gift to Iran’s enemies”.
