Ardavan Yousefi, a cafe owner in Tehran, has become so accustomed to Iran’s stringent internet controls that the lifting of the WhatsApp ban barely registered in his daily routine.
Testing the New Reality
“Oh wow, is it really removed now?” Yousefi queried skeptically. He conducted a simple test by turning off his VPN to check if he could indeed use WhatsApp without it, confirming the change. However, this development does little to ease the broader landscape of internet restrictions in Iran where many other platforms continue to be inaccessible.
Limited Change Amidst Greater Challenges
“It doesn’t change much, since I still need VPNs for Instagram, Telegram, and other platforms,” Yousefi explained, highlighting the ongoing necessity for VPNs. The decision by the Supreme Council of Cyberspace comes at a time when Iranians are facing economic distress, international sanctions, and regional tensions, particularly with Israel.
Economic and Environmental Strains
The country has seen disruptions in daily life due to energy shortages and severe winter conditions, which have led to closures of essential services and worsened air quality.
A Token Gesture?
According to Amir Rashidi from the Miaan Group, the lifting of the WhatsApp ban might be more about managing public dissatisfaction than a genuine move towards openness. Rashidi pointed out that WhatsApp isn’t as widely used in Iran as other blocked platforms like Instagram and Telegram, which continue to be restricted.
Political and Cultural Resistance to Open Internet
The decision follows the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, which sparked nationwide protests and led to tightened internet controls. The late President Ebrahim Raisi linked the use of these platforms to social unrest, stipulating that their unblocking would require foreign companies to have a presence in Iran—a condition not met due to U.S. sanctions. Current President Masoud Pezeshkian aims to ease these restrictions, but faces opposition from a conservative parliament wary of cultural and political implications.
A Small Step or a Sign of Change?
While some like software developer Amir Heidari see the WhatsApp unban as a positive, albeit small, indicator of potential policy shifts, others like fitness trainer Elaheh Khojasteh remain unimpressed. For her, the move does not address the myriad of more pressing issues facing Iranians.
Looking Forward
There’s talk of further relaxations, with plans for controlled access to platforms like YouTube and Telegram, but these remain speculative without official confirmation or a timeline. The government’s approach, described by Communication Minister Sattar Hashemi as a “first step” towards broader internet freedoms, continues to be met with skepticism by many who argue that the real test of change lies in addressing the root causes of their daily struggles.
