Several locally-developed instant messaging applications were reportedly restored in Iran on Tuesday (20 January), partially easing communications restrictions imposed after recent unrest.
Users were again able to access key functions on the platforms, including group chats, dynamic posts and multimedia sharing, marking the first significant rollback of controls since the nationwide shutdown.
Despite the move, Internet access remained blocked nationwide on Monday. Netblocks, a watchdog organization that monitors cybersecurity and digital governance, confirmed very slight increases in connectivity, though overall traffic remained far below normal levels.
Hossein Afshin, deputy for scientific affairs to the Iranian president, told reporters on Monday that internet restrictions will be “gradually” eased starting at the end of the week, though he offered no additional details.
Access to Google’s search engine was restored on Sunday, according to local media, a day after short message service (SMS) was reinstated.
The restoration of messaging apps follows a broader phased easing of communication bans amid one of the most extensive internet blackouts in the country’s recent history, imposed on 8 January.
The blackout was imposed amid the Iranian protests, which saw mass demonstrations against economic hardship and political repression that began in late December and continued into January.
The shutdown greatly limited the ability of journalists, rights groups and citizens to document or share news about the unrest, prompting criticism from international organisations, including calls from a United Nations fact-finding mission to restore internet and mobile communications amid reports of serious human rights violations.
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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Sunday that 3.7 million children under five in Afghanistan face an increased risk of malnutrition as the peak wasting season from July to September approaches.
Iran has said it remains determined to pursue legal action against Israel and the United States over the deaths of senior officials and civilians during recent military confrontations, insisting it will seek accountability through international bodies.
Britain has moved to target Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and another Iran-linked organisation using new state-threat powers following a series of antisemitic incidents across the country.
Pakistan on Sunday expressed "deep concern" over the latest escalation in the Middle East following renewed military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran. It urged all sides to exercise restraint and honour commitments made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
The U.S. has launched fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a container ship and said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claimed to have expanded attacks on U.S. military facilities across the Gulf.
Typhoon Bavi, the strongest storm to hit the eastern coast of mainland China this year, brought heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and landslides after making landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday. More than 2.8 million people were evacuated to safety ahead of the storm.
President Ilham Aliyev is holding his annual question-and-answer session with international journalists at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum in Azerbaijan.
Qatar is mourning the death of its former ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who has passed away at the age of 74.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Sunday that 3.7 million children under five in Afghanistan face an increased risk of malnutrition as the peak wasting season from July to September approaches.
Uzbekistan is preparing for one of its hottest weeks of the year, with electricity demand expected to approach a record as temperatures are forecast to reach 44-46°C across parts of the country. Authorities are taking measures to maintain power supplies during the extreme heat.
Iran has said it remains determined to pursue legal action against Israel and the United States over the deaths of senior officials and civilians during recent military confrontations, insisting it will seek accountability through international bodies.
Pakistan on Sunday expressed "deep concern" over the latest escalation in the Middle East following renewed military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran. It urged all sides to exercise restraint and honour commitments made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Tajikistan will reduce electricity exports and increase water reserves ahead of winter as the government seeks to improve domestic power supplies after last year’s seasonal shortages.
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