Google has announced that its mapping service Google Earth, browser Chrome and photo-sharing service Picasa is now available for download in Iran for the first time.
The move was a result of the US government granting a communications trade licence to the search engine company last year.
The licence, however, has specified that none of the products can be downloaded by or on behalf of the Iranian government.
Google Europe, Middle East and Africa head of public policy and communications Scott Rubin said it took nearly an to secure an export licence for Google’s downloadable products.
Of the four countries – Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Cuba – that were subject to US trade sanctions and only Iran had the right conditions for a trade licence, Rubin explained.
