WASHINGTON, May 31 (UPI) -- The Iranian government will play a "cat-and-mouse game" with Internet users after the U.S. government lifted some restrictions, a rights activist said.
The White House said Thursday it was taking steps to ensure the Iranian people have access to the Internet. The U.S. State Department said earlier this month that Iranian authorities were restricting access to communication technology ahead of presidential elections.
Iranian rights activist Ali Akbar Mousavi Khoeni told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty the U.S. efforts might not matter in Iran.
"The cat-and-mouse game between the Iranian government and Internet users will continue, so will Iran's attempts to jam satellite programs," he said. "It will now depend on the users -- how keen they are to use this newly created opportunity and prevent the government from blocking this path."
The U.S. government made similar initiatives following the election victory for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009. The Iranian government curbed Internet and cellphone traffic when mass demonstrations erupted after the election.
The U.S. government said it was issuing a general license that would allow the export of personal communications equipment to Iran.
"The people of Iran should be able to communicate and access information without being subject to reprisals by their government," the U.S. government said.
The eight candidates cleared to compete in the presidential elections had their first debate Friday. Elections are scheduled June 14.
