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Category
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Everything banned or restricted in Iran, from apps and websites to books, movies, food and everyday activities. Use the category filter to narrow it down.
IranBannedThe Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie)Banned as blasphemous; in 1989 Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa calling for the author's death.BooksSince 1988Details →IranBannedFacebookBlocked after the protests that followed the 2009 presidential election.Apps & WebsitesSince 2009Details →IranBannedInstagramBlocked in September 2022 during the protests after the death of Mahsa Amini.Apps & WebsitesSince 2022Details →IranBannedTelegramBlocked by court order in 2018 after it was used during anti-government protests.Apps & WebsitesSince 2018Details →IranBannedTikTokBlocked since October 2019, when TikTok cut off users in Iran and the state's filtering committee then banned it. Freedom House still lists TikTok among the global platforms banned in Iran in 2026.Apps & WebsitesSince 2019-10Details →IranBannedX (Twitter)Blocked since the 2009 protests, although many officials post on it.Apps & WebsitesSince 2009Details →IranBannedYouTubeIran temporarily blocked YouTube in 2006 for violating social codes, lifted it, reinstated it after the 2009 election, and reblocked it in 2012 following the release of the 'Innocence of Muslims' trailer.Apps & WebsitesSince 2012Details →IranRestrictedWhatsAppBanned in 2022 and freed in December 2024, WhatsApp was restricted again after the 2025 war and the 2026 shutdowns. Since May 2026 it has needed a workaround, though officials have hinted at reopening it.Apps & WebsitesSince 2025Details →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is banned in Iran?
Iran bans or restricts 8 things in our list, including The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) (1988), Facebook (2009), Instagram (2022) and Telegram (2018).
Which categories have the most bans in Iran?
In our list: Apps & Websites (7), Books (1).
Is this list up to date?
We review entries regularly and add new bans as they happen. Laws change, so check an official government source before you travel or act on this information.
Laws change often and many bans have exceptions. This list is for general information, not legal or travel advice. Check official government sources before you travel. Last updated: 01/11/2026.