The need for Obtaining Source Code in the Process of Issuing Software Licenses Was Reviewed

The meeting hosted by the Iranian Information Technology Organization aimed to review and ease issuing technical verification and authenticity licenses for software. The officials acknowledged that access to source code is crucial in verifying the authenticity and security of licensed software. By reviewing the source code, the government can ensure that there are no malicious codes or vulnerabilities that could potentially harm users. Additionally, protecting the intellectual property rights of software developers was also highlighted as a priority.

According to the Public Relations Department of Iran’s Information Technology Organization,the meeting, attended by Hamed Mankarsi, the Deputy for Policy and Accreditation, officials from the computer guild organization and official judicial experts, emphasized the importance and effectiveness of providing source code in ensuring transparency and accountability in the software industry.

Mankarsi reviewed the history of software registration and the issuance of a document called "Software Registration Certificate" by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance since 2006. He emphasized that delivering source code is of great sensitivity due to common challenges in the field of software ownership. Although source code is only a part of software according to standards, other components and documents related to the production and maintenance of software have an equivalent or even greater value than source code. Unfortunately, many companies active in the software industry do not properly document and maintain their products. In such situations, the only visible and reliable documentation that can be used for registration is source code.

The government seeks to simplify the license issuance process for applicants and does not believe in ineffective strictness in this area. The expectation is that by identifying priorities in the software field and holding expert meetings and gathering legal opinions, the process of granting licenses to companies will be facilitated. Mankaarsi also considered the continued importance of receiving source code from companies as a means of creating new businesses that can reduce some of the concerns and challenges faced by these activists by making changes to their activities.

The Iranian government expressed its commitment to promoting a healthy and thriving software industry in the country. By prioritizing the acquisition of source code and making changes to the licensing process, the government hopes to create new business opportunities and attract more investment in the sector. The meeting also addressed the effectiveness of obtained source codes in ensuring the rights of stakeholders. The officials engaged in a question and answer session to discuss this issue.

Overall, the meeting emphasized the importance of obtaining source code in ensuring transparency, security, and accountability in the software industry. This move by the Iranian government is a positive step towards creating a more secure and reliable software industry in the country.