Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta’s instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play as a first step to scale back internet restrictions.

Iran’s government says it has lifted a ban on access to WhatsApp and Google Play after more than two years. That's according to the official IRNA news agency.

Iranian authorities remove restrictions on Meta's messaging platform WhatsApp and on Google Play, marking an initial move to ease internet limitations.

The Supreme Cyberspace Council, which is tasked with safeguarding the internet for Iranian citizens, voted unanimously to lift restrictions on a number of foreign-owned applications during a meeting today, according to a report by the state news agency IRNA.

Iran's reformist government has lifted bans on WhatsApp and Google Play, signaling efforts to reduce internet restrictions despite hardliner opposition.

By bne Tehran bureau Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace on Tuesday announced the removal of restrictions on WhatsApp and Google Play, in what officials described as a first step towards lifting broader internet filtering measures.

Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp and Google Play Store, restoring access to key communication and app platforms for users nationwide.

Decision reached during meeting of Iran's Supreme Council of Cyberspace, reports state-run news agency IRNA - Anadolu Ajansı

Iran said it will start easing some of the world’s tightest internet restrictions by lifting its ban on WhatsApp and Google Play — a sign that authorities want to placate domestic opponents as the Islamic Republic faces major economic and foreign-policy challenges.

Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta's WhatsApp and Google Play, marking the first step towards scaling back internet restrictions.

The move has sparked a debate in Iran, with critics of the restrictions arguing the controls were costly for the country