Information Technology Executive Council
The "Information Technology Executive Council" is a key body responsible for shaping the strategic direction and practical implementation of information technology in Iran. Its primary objectives include establishing executive policies in IT to foster the development and deployment of e-government initiatives. The Council also aims to create a supportive environment for the widespread adoption of information and communication technologies across various sectors, aligning with national overarching policies, directives from the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, and relevant laws.
The Council's functions are extensive, encompassing the approval of executive objectives and policies for IT industry development and application, based on national guidelines and Supreme Council of Cyberspace resolutions. It is also tasked with approving policies and ensuring the necessary executive and technical coordination for expanding the use of IT in delivering electronic services across social, economic, and cultural domains. Furthermore, the Council approves the technical and executive roadmap for e-government development, emphasizing the maximum utilization of non-governmental sector capacities for IT development and deployment in public services. It is also responsible for ratifying regulations, directives, and standards to ensure coordination in technical and executive IT provisions. A crucial role of the Council is to facilitate coordination among executive agencies regarding data exchange and sharing, and to approve methods for utilizing big data and data mining from national information databases, while upholding confidentiality and privacy. The Council continuously monitors the progress of e-government development programs and IT application expansion, submitting periodic reports to the Parliament, the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, and the Cabinet.
The decisions made by the Information Technology Executive Council are enforced through the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, who promulgates them after presidential approval and is responsible for overseeing their proper implementation. These decisions are made in adherence to the overarching national policies, resolutions of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, and within the framework of existing laws and regulations.
A secretariat for the Council is established within the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, with its secretary appointed by the President upon the suggestion of the Minister of Communications and Information Technology. The Council convenes at least once every three months, with sessions considered official when two-thirds of its members are present. Resolutions are actionable with a majority vote of more than half of the members present.
