DHAKA: Iran’s entire Cabinet has opened Facebook pages in what is seen as a move toward greater openness, even though the social media site is blocked in the Islamic Republic.

The Facebook pages of 15 ministers could be viewed in Tehran through a proxy server.

Newspapers on Monday hinted the move might herald the lifting of some internet barriers, reports The Straits Times.

All but one minister signed up this August after the inauguration of centrist- and reformist-backed president Hasan Rohani, who has also opened a page.

Hardliners see the internet as a possible corrupting force, but many Iranians use proxies to access banned sites.

BDST: 1624 HRS, SEPT 09, 2013
RoR/Jck