ICT Minister stresses equitable Internet access, rejects ‘whitelisting’

He made the statement during a surprise visit by President Masoud Pezeshkian to the ICT Ministry where he also ruled out what is referred to as “white list” Internet connection for a few people.

Chairing the meeting of the ministry’s deputy ministers, Hashemi thanked President Pezeshkian’s support saying his visit will encourage the entire staff and directors to render their obligations and services with further efficiency.

ICT services in war

The ICT minster praised the tireless performance of his colleagues to maintain communications during 40 days of the Israeli-US imposed war which broke out on February 28.

Hashemi said that communications infrastructure is vital in providing services to the people particularly under adverse war conditions.

“To establish sustainable communications during the Ramadan war, a number of our colleagues were martyred and wounded, but the process of providing services to the people continued without interruption.”

He termed the empathy and cohesion in the ICT Ministry the main factors in achieving this success and said: "Providing services during the war was achieved thanks to the synergy across the country."

"Our colleagues in the communications family tried to ensure that there was no disruption to people's life and that all types of services in various fields, from banking services to postal and electronic services, were provided in a sustainable manner."

No whitelisting

Referring to the status of Internet during war, he noted: "If the issue of Internet blackout is considered from the perspective of security risks, it is necessary to provide its access for all people in an equitable manner and without whitelisting."

"There is no such thing as the Internet white list. High quality access to the global Internet is the right of all people," the ICT minister stressed, expressing the hope that it would be restored in the shortest possible time.