In another of those odd situations that arise in Internet culture, US-based Google had been blocked since 2009 from providing software downloads to Iran. Today, according to theGoogle Blog, those restrictions have been lifted and with the lift comes the first chance for Iranian citizens to download Google Earth, Picasa and Chrome.
We’re committed to full compliance with U.S. export controls and sanctions programs and, as a condition of our export licenses from the Treasury Department, we will continue to block IP addresses associated with the Iranian government.
Citing Google’s desire to help people create, communicate and share opinions, Google seems to be counting the lifted restrictions as a victory for free information. It’s worth noting, however, that Google specifically states that it will block IP addresses which are known to belong to government agencies.
Story byBrad McCarty
A music and tech junkie who calls Nashville home, Brad is the Director TNW Academy. You can follow him on Twitter @BradMcCarty.(show all)A music and tech junkie who calls Nashville home, Brad is the DirectorTNW Academy. You can follow him on Twitter@BradMcCarty.
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