Country

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7 bans

Iran ✕

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 →IranBannedX (Twitter)Blocked since the 2009 protests, although many officials post on it.Apps & WebsitesSince 2009Details →IranBannedYouTubeBlocked in 2012 over content the authorities called offensive to Islam.Apps & WebsitesSince 2012Details →IranBan liftedWhatsAppBlocked in 2022; the government lifted the ban in December 2024.Apps & WebsitesBanned 2022Details →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is banned in Iran?

Iran bans or restricts 6 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 (6), Books (1).

Have any of these bans been lifted?

Yes, including WhatsApp (2022). Lifted bans stay on the list, marked "Ban lifted", so you can see how the rules changed.

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: 12/10/2026.