The protest registered by an Iranian shadish173 has become trademark of opposition groups globally and the social activists world over are using social media networking sites as a method to oppose or promote their causes. In order to uplift the spirit of democratic sentiments, globally, the US treasury department eased sanctions on Iran, Cuba and Sudan to promote expansion of web services.

Now US technology companies would be able to export online services like instant messaging and social networks. Till now companies were afraid to offer services because of fear of violating services. After the release on sanctions there would be export of services relating to web browsing, e-mail, instant messaging, chat, social networking and photo and movie sharing.

The leniency has been provided so that individuals in the said countries can exercise their universal right to free speech and information to the maximum possible extent. And internet freedom is becoming a principle of US foreign policy. However, this is noticeable that Iran has blocked use of Gmail before planned protests in Iran last month. US is considering to tightening sanctions upon Iran due to its controversial nuclear program.

The US has permitted the export of services to all three countries and the export of communication software only to Iran and Sudan. Last year Microsoft prohibited use of its instant messaging services in five countries including Iran, Cuba and Sudan for using instant messaging services. Though, the number of Internet users is very low in Cuba.