Major Iranian apps suspended from Google Play as US sanctions bite

Earlier in June, Divar, a popular online marketplace, was banned from Google Play for the same reason. (AFP/File)
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Updated 19 June 2023
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Major Iranian apps suspended from Google Play as US sanctions bite

  • Digikala and Tapsi violated US legalizations regulating exports trade to sanctioned countries, Google said 

LONDON: Two popular Iranian apps have been suspended from Google Play Store following sanctions imposed by the US.

London-based Farsi network Iran International reported on Monday that e-commerce company Digikala and ridesharing app Tapsi have been removed indefinitely from the app store for allegedly not conforming with US sanctions against Iran.

The tech giant explained via email that the decision was taken in accordance with US legislation regulating exports trade to certain countries.

“Products on Google Play may be subject to United States’ and other jurisdictions’ export control and sanctions laws and regulations,” Google said.

This is not the first time Google has removed Iranian apps from its platform.

Digikala and Tapsi were previously removed from Google Play but later reinstated on the platform following legal proceedings.

Earlier in June, Divar, a popular online marketplace, was banned from Google Play for the same reason.

A spokesperson for Divar announced that they are following all legal paths to restore the app, adding that the app’s absence on Google Play “can cause the spread of malware by abusing the name and brand of Divar in the official Google store and represent a violation to the rights of users.”

Google Play Store has been unavailable to users in Iran since last October following a crackdown by the Iranian government.


DCO and Arab News partner to combat digital misinformation, explore AI’s impact on media

Updated 06 February 2026
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DCO and Arab News partner to combat digital misinformation, explore AI’s impact on media

KUWAIT CITY: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the international Saudi newspaper Arab News have signed a Letter of Engagement aimed at strengthening knowledge and expertise exchange on the impact of artificial intelligence in the media sector, as well as leveraging expert insights to develop best practices to combat online misinformation amid accelerating technological advancements.

DCO said this step aligned with its efforts to strengthen collaboration with international media institutions to support responsible dialogue around digital transformation and contribute to building a more reliable, inclusive, and sustainable digital media environment.

Commenting on the agreement, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, said: “At a moment when AI is reshaping how truth is produced, distributed, and trusted, partnership with credible media institutions is essential.”

She added that “working with Arab News allows us to bridge technology and journalism in a way that protects integrity, strengthens public trust, and elevates responsible innovation. This collaboration is about equipping media ecosystems with the tools, insight, and ethical grounding needed to navigate AI’s impact, while ensuring digital transformation serves people and their prosperity.”

Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, emphasized that the partnership enhances media institutions’ ability to keep pace with technological shifts, noting that engagement with representatives of DCO Member States enables deeper understanding of emerging technologies and regulatory developments in the digital space.

He added: “DCO’s commitment to initiatives addressing online content integrity reflects a clear dedication to supporting a responsible digital environment that serves societies and strengthens trust in the digital ecosystem.”

The Letter of agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Fifth DCO General Assembly held in Kuwait City under the theme “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI”, alongside the second edition of the International Digital Cooperation Forum, held from 4–5 February, which brought together ministers, policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives from more than 60 countries to strengthen international cooperation toward a human-centric, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy.