Treasury allows Internet exports to Iran, others

AP: The Treasury Department is allowing the export of Internet communications services such as instant messaging, e-mail and Web browsing to Iran, Sudan and Cuba to help people in those countries communicate. The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department is allowing the export of Internet communications services such as instant messaging, e-mail and Web browsing to Iran, Sudan and Cuba to help people in those countries communicate.

Deputy U.S. Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin said Monday that the change to existing trade sanctions Monday is intended to help people, "exercise their most basic rights."

Protesters in Iran have used online tools, such as instant messaging and Twitter, to pass information about actions against the governing regime.

The department has allowed the export of services to all three countries, while allowing the export of communications software only to Iran and Sudan. The Treasury says the export of software to Cuba is governed by the Commerce Department.