Iranian authorities have lifted restrictions on Meta's messaging service WhatsApp and the Google Play store, marking an early step towards relaxing internet controls, according to a report by Reuters on Tuesday, citing Iranian state media.

The Islamic Republic, notorious for enforcing some of the strictest internet censorship in the world, frequently blocks US-based platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. However, many Iranians with technical expertise manage to bypass these blocks using virtual private networks (VPNs).

The state-run IRNA news agency reported on Tuesday that "A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play." This decision came after a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian.

"Today the first step in removing internet limitations... has been taken," IRNA quoted Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Sattar Hashemi, as stating.

Beyond blocking foreign sites, Iran frequently shuts down media outlets it perceives as threatening to the regime.

In the past, the Iranian judiciary, dominated by conservative factions, had blocked the Waze app, which was created in Israel, a country that Iran does not recognize. However, reports indicated that by January 2018, the app had become available again in Iran.