Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta's instant messaging platform WhatsApp, as well as the Android app store Google Play, in a first step in reducing internet restrictions, state media reported on Tuesday.
Iran has some of the strictest controls on internet access in the world, but its blocks on US-based social media such as Facebook, X and YouTube are routinely bypassed by tech-savvy citizens using virtual private networks.
“A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play,” Iran's official Irna news agency said, referring to a meeting on the matter led by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The Supreme Council of Cyberspace approved the lifting of blocks on “certain widely used foreign platforms”, according to Irna, which named WhatsApp and Google Play as the first two applications to be unblocked.
“Today the first step in removing internet limitations has been taken,” state media quoted Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi as saying.
It was not clear when the easing would take effect. Social media platforms were widely used in anti-government protests in Iran, the most recent and significant of which began in September 2022, after the death in police custody of a young woman arrested after wearing her mandatory hijab “inappropriately”.
Since the 2009 protests against the re-election of hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, social media networks including Facebook, X and YouTube have been banned or restricted by authorities who blamed them for facilitating protests and fomenting opposition to the state.
Iran’s government has faced criticism for years from citizens, western governments, the UN and political activists for its draconian attitude towards the internet. Officials – most of whom use banned social media sites to run their own public-facing accounts – often fail to deliver on promises to reduce censorship.
“The process of lifting cyberspace restrictions will be multi-staged and ongoing, and it won’t be limited to the removal of restrictions on one or a few platforms,” Irna said.
Complete internet blackouts have often been imposed on Iranians. In 2022, Iranian anti-government protests prompted the US government to ease restrictions on internet services to the country, such as Elon Musk’s Starlink. In September, the US called on Big Tech to help evade online censorship in countries that heavily censor the internet, including Iran.
The Washington-based Freedom House said Iran was among the three least-free countries in the world in terms of internet access – after China and Myanmar – in its annual “internet Freedom Scores” ranking.
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
Results
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1hr 32mins 03.897sec
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Honda) at 0.745s
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 37.383s
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) 46.466s
5.Sergio Perez (Red Bull-Honda) 52.047s
6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 59.090s
7. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) 1:06.004
8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari) 1:07.100
9. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:25.692
10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:26.713,
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Student Of The Year 2
Director: Punit Malhotra
Stars: Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria, Ananya Pandey, Aditya Seal
1.5 stars
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic
Power: 375bhp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh332,800
On sale: now
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.