Iranian Legislator Urges Strategic Internet Reinforcement and Media Access Exemptions
A prominent Iranian legislator has called for comprehensive strategies to bolster the nation’s digital infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted access for essential sectors, particularly media, during periods of internet restrictions. Ahmad Bigdeli, speaking in response to recent internet limitations, emphasized the global prevalence of such security measures while advocating for robust domestic solutions and compensatory mechanisms to mitigate their impact.
Balancing Security with Economic Stability
Bigdeli acknowledged that many countries implement internet restrictions in response to security concerns. However, he stressed the critical need for Iran to develop compensatory frameworks to alleviate the adverse effects of such measures. Highlighting the internet’s significant role in daily life and business, he underscored the necessity for government action to prevent economic stagnation and ensure continuous information flow, even when faced with security imperatives.
The Imperative for Domestic Digital Empowerment
A key pillar of Bigdeli’s proposal centers on the urgent need to strengthen Iran’s internal internet infrastructure and cultivate indigenous application development. The lawmaker candidly admitted existing weaknesses in the domestic app ecosystem, advocating for concerted efforts to address these shortcomings. He envisioned a future where robust local platforms could serve as reliable alternatives to foreign applications, bolstering national digital self-reliance and resilience.
Mitigating Economic Impact and Ensuring Fairness
Addressing the economic repercussions of internet outages, Bigdeli urged the Ministry of Communications to devise solutions for compensating users and businesses. He pointed out instances where internet packages expired unused during periods of disconnection, causing financial losses to citizens. This call underscores a commitment to fairness and economic protection amidst security-driven policy implementations.
Safeguarding Information Flow and Media Operations
Crucially, Bigdeli advocated for specific exemptions during times of restriction. He proposed that individuals and entities with a legitimate need for information access, especially those in the media sector responsible for public dissemination, should be excluded from broad internet limitations. This provision aims to safeguard the flow of essential information and ensure that critical communication channels remain open, supporting transparency and informed public discourse.
In summary, Bigdeli’s recommendations outline a multi-faceted approach to national internet policy, balancing security considerations with economic stability, digital self-reliance, and the imperative of information access. His push highlights a political commitment to fostering a resilient domestic digital ecosystem capable of serving the nation’s needs under all circumstances.
