Iran’s internet is returning – but not for everyone – BBC

Report on Communication App Restrictions and Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of Current Restrictions

According to sources cited by the newspaper, foreign messaging applications, including WhatsApp, remain restricted within the country. This limitation affects the accessibility of global communication tools for the population.

Local Communication Platforms

Despite the restrictions on foreign apps, some local communication platforms are accessible inside the country. However, observers have raised concerns regarding the security and privacy of these local platforms.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The restriction on foreign messaging apps impacts the development and adoption of innovative communication technologies.
   • Encouraging secure and privacy-respecting local platforms aligns with building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Concerns about privacy and security highlight the need for transparent and accountable communication systems.
   • Ensuring secure communication supports the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Collaboration between local developers and international partners could enhance the security and functionality of communication platforms.
   • Such partnerships are essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable technological progress.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Focuses on building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation, relevant to communication platforms and technology access.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Relates to promoting inclusive societies and ensuring access to information, which connects to issues of communication restrictions and privacy concerns.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Involves strengthening global partnerships, relevant to cross-border communication and technology sharing.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.
2. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
3. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.8: Fully operationalize the technology bank and science, technology and innovation capacity-building mechanism for least developed countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 9.c
   • Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, which relates to access to communication platforms.
2. Indicator for Target 16.10
   • Number of verified cases of violations of fundamental freedoms related to access to information and communication.
   • Extent of restrictions on foreign messaging apps, as indicated by the article’s mention of WhatsApp being restricted.
3. Indicator for Target 17.8
   • Number of countries with operational technology banks and capacity-building mechanisms, relevant to local communication platform development.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: bbc.com