The Minister of Communications and Information Technology rejected some claims that internet restrictions during the recent war were due to concerns about weaknesses in cybersecurity.
Seyed Sattar Hashemi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, in a meeting with digital economy activists of Isfahan province, rejecting some assertions about internet restrictions, announced: this restriction was not due to concern about cyberattacks and weakness in protection.
He explicitly said in this regard: the assertion that "the restriction imposed on the internet was due to concern about cyberattacks" is not correct, because in fact it sends a message of weakness from all of us.
Hashemi added: "Who said we cannot protect our cyber assets?"
The Minister of Communications added: we have so many talented and capable young people in the country. Do we not protect these infrastructures in normal conditions? There are many capable companies of various sizes in Isfahan province and the country in the field of cybersecurity that work valiantly. Do we have tranquility in cyberspace? Are we not engaged around the clock? What has happened that such an assertion is suddenly raised?
Hashemi continued: Undoubtedly we have an understanding of the country's security situation and are aware of the wartime conditions imposed on us, but it is better to state the exact and clear reasons.
Maximum participation of the private sector is necessary
The Minister of Communications, stating that we believe in the private sector, noted: we have given the Iran Computer and Video Game Organization space to be present in all decision-making and policymaking meetings and in the Regulatory Commission. There is direct and weekly communication with the ICT park and we welcome more proposals for direct communication without intermediaries.
Hashemi pointed out that we formed a special headquarters for organizing cyberspace with the participation of the private sector including the Computer Guild Organization and the Chamber of Commerce, and said: businesses sit across from ministers and their voices are heard. Wherever we have succeeded, the private sector has been central.
He emphasized: the government does not have a serious compensation system and cannot provide 24-hour services; therefore maximum participation of the private sector is necessary.
Isfahan will become the third province to have a national data hub
According to Mehr News Agency, Hashemi said that three data hub centers in the country, including Isfahan, Alborz and Razavi Khorasan, have been designed, and added: in the Isfahan site three independent high-quality fiber links, power supply from two routes and cooling infrastructure have been prepared.
The Minister of Communications stated: the government will not invest further in this and long-term usufruct rights will be handed over to the private sector through a call. Our role is facilitation.
He described the project of replacing copper cable with optical fiber as a heavy and complex project and said: it is hoped that a large part of it will progress in the fourteenth government and provide a platform for the flourishing of Isfahan province's digital economy.