Iran restores SMS access, eases curbs on domestic messengers
Iran has decided to gradually ease restrictions on public access to messaging services on mobile phones, including Short Message Service (SMS), following riots and terrorist acts that affected the country earlier this month.
The semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted informed sources in a report on Saturday, saying that authorities would soon allow group messaging on qualified channels across five popular domestic platforms.
The sources added that personal chats will also become available on these platforms in the near future.
The report came a day after authorities lifted a ban on personal messaging via SMS platforms.
Tasnim also said that access to the global internet, which was entirely blocked on January 9 following deadly street riots and terrorist acts, will be restored in stages.
Iran’s National Center for Cyberspace, the country’s top cyberspace authority, announced last week that global internet access would remain restricted until officials confirm full security has been restored.
The body stated that in the meantime, the domestic intranet system, known as the National Information Network (NIN), will be strengthened to offset the lack of global internet access.
Since the internet ban was enacted, Iranians have been using the NIN for basic online activities, such as banking and shopping.
However, personal messaging has faced heavy restrictions, as authorities maintain that the country is facing a “cognitive warfare” campaign conducted by Iran’s enemies in cyberspace.
Government authorities say thousands of civilians and security personnel were killed in the recent bout of foreign-backed terrorist incidents in the country.
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