"WhatsApp changes rules to help Iranian protesters," 5 Jan 2023

Iranians will be able to access WhatsApp during government-imposed internet blackouts after the Mark Zuckerberg-owned messaging app announced new changes.

The social media service has introduced new proxy support for users around the globe, enabling people to maintain access if their connection is blocked or disrupted.

It comes after a string of internet shutdowns by authorities in Iran as they attempt to clamp down on anti-government protests and silence dissenters.

WhatsApp wrote in a blog post: “Disruptions like we’ve seen in Iran for months on end deny people’s human rights and cut people off from receiving urgent help.

“In case these shutdowns continue, we hope this solution helps people wherever there is a need for secure and reliable communication.”

Proxy services allow users to connect to WhatsApp through servers set up by organisations and volunteers around the globe...

Iranian citizens have been hit with internet shutdowns in the wake of widespread protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who died in custody after being arrested by the country’s morality police.

Authorities cut off mobile data and blocked social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram, while some officials have called for access to the internet to be blocked entirely.