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.

Florida passed one of the nation’s most restrictive bans on minors’ social media use, and social media companies said they aren't going down without a fight.

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, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday. The Islamic Republic has some of the strictest controls on Internet access in the world,

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

Following the presentation of assessments from relevant authorities, the council approved changes to the existing internet restrictions.

Iran is known for having some of the strictest internet rules across the world. Further, the Iranian authorities have blocked access to US-based social media applications such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.