In a significant policy shift, Iranian authorities have lifted the ban on the popular messaging app WhatsApp and the app store Google Play. This decision, reported by Iranian state media on Tuesday, marks the first step in the Islamic Republic's efforts to ease its stringent internet restrictions. The move was decided by a unanimous vote of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, which is headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian and includes key government figures such as the parliament speaker and the head of the judiciary.

Iran is known for having some of the strictest internet controls in the world, with platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube frequently blocked. However, tech-savvy Iranians often bypass these restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs). The lifting of the ban on WhatsApp and Google Play is seen as a response to calls from the United States for Big Tech to help evade online censorship in countries with heavy internet restrictions, including Iran.

The decision has sparked a debate within Iran. Critics argue that the internet controls have been costly and ineffective, while others warn that lifting the restrictions could be seen as a concession to Iran's adversaries. Despite these concerns, President Pezeshkian has been a proponent of reducing internet restrictions, viewing them as not in the best interest of the Iranian people or the country's security.

This development comes shortly after Iran paused the implementation of a new, stricter hijab law, indicating a potential shift in domestic policy under President Pezeshkian's administration. The easing of internet restrictions is part of a broader strategy to engage with the West and address sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program.

The lifting of the ban is a significant step for Iran, as social media platforms have played a crucial role in anti-government protests in the past. The decision to unblock WhatsApp and Google Play is expected to have a substantial impact on the daily lives of Iranians, who have grown accustomed to using domestic applications as alternatives to popular international platforms.