The United States changed on Friday the guidance on sanctions against Iran to "support the free flow of information" after Tehran cut off internet access to parts of the country amid anti-government protests. The US stated the relaxation of sanctions will allow technology companies "to offer the Iranian people more options of secure, outside platforms and services."
"These steps will help counter the Iranian government’s efforts to surveil and censor its citizens. As a result of this expanded General License, technology firms will be able to provide more digital services to people in Iran, from access to cloud computing services to better tools to enhance their online security and privacy," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.