Iran lifted the ban on using WhatsApp and Google Play - Media.

On Tuesday, December 24, Iran lifted the ban on the use of WhatsApp, which lasted for two years. This was reported by The Times of Israel.

According to media reports, the Supreme Council of Iran, responsible for internet protection, unanimously voted to remove the restrictions on this popular messenger.

"The ban on WhatsApp and Google Play was lifted by the decision of the members of the Supreme Cyber Space Council," said the IRNA agency.

"Today we unanimously and based on consensus took the first step towards lifting internet restrictions," said Iran's Minister of Communication Sattar Hashemi.

According to The Times of Israel, the Supreme Council of the country is chaired by the President of Iran, and its members include the Speaker of Parliament, the head of the judicial system, and several ministers.

Currently, it is unknown when exactly the decision to lift the restrictions will come into effect. However, this move has sparked debates in Iran. Critics of the restrictions argue that internet control is costly for the country.

"The restrictions brought nothing but anger and additional costs for people's lives," said President's advisor Ali Rabiei.

On the same day, Iran's Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif claimed that the country's President Masoud Pezeshkian believes in lifting the restrictions and does not think that the bans serve the interests of the people and the country.

However, some individuals warn of the consequences of lifting the restrictions. The reformist newspaper Shargh daily noted that 136 legislators out of 290 expressed their outrage and sent a letter to the council, stating that this move would be a "gift to the enemies (of Iran - ed.)."