Posted On2024-08-16 By Sotaliraq The head of the Iraqi Digital Path Council, Dr. Safad Al-Shammari, identified several errors in the electronic payment system, which the government is calling for to address from time to time, while he stressed that to address these problems, it is necessary to start with the state ministries.
Al-Shammari said, “The electronic payment system in Iraq requires a set of basic requirements, including, foremost, the technical infrastructure, with the availability of fast and reliable internet networks, the development of modern and secure electronic payment platforms, and improving the means of connection between financial institutions, banks and electronic payment companies, not to mention security and protection, by ensuring digital security through data encryption and protection of sensitive information.”
Al-Shammari pointed out that “the success of electronic payment requires the development of anti-electronic fraud measures, such as multi-factor verification, and the availability of strong legislation to protect users from cybercrimes, which should be accompanied by awareness and digital culture, by spreading awareness among users about the benefits and mechanisms of using electronic payment.”
He added, “In return for a basic need, which is integration with banks and financial institutions, by enhancing cooperation between electronic payment companies and banks to provide integrated services, and enabling instant money transfers between different accounts, which are regulated by the legal and regulatory framework, by establishing clear laws and legislation to regulate electronic payment services, with real government oversight to ensure that all parties adhere to the required standards.”
Al-Shammari stipulates that “for this system to succeed, this government must support public policies by providing incentives and encouragements to companies and citizens to use electronic payment, in an effort to build users’ confidence in the system through reliable and transparent experiences, in addition to ensuring the stability and reliability of the system at all times.”
He stressed that “the electronic payment process was launched as a popular digital financial culture for all citizens, before it started at the top of the pyramid, represented by the state ministries themselves, which was a concern for all citizens when it started working on it, while it faced a challenge represented by the resistance of some of the parties assigned to implement this process in various ways and pretexts, which did not support the opportunities for generalization as a prevailing culture in Iraqi society, in addition to a number of technical factors, most notably the weakness of the technical infrastructure, lack of internet coverage or slow speed.
” Pointing out that “this makes access to electronic payment services difficult or unreliable, and the lack of advanced devices and systems in some rural or remote areas, not to mention security and privacy concerns, with increased concerns about electronic fraud and cyber attacks, and lack of confidence in the system’s ability to protect personal and financial data, which was reflected in individuals’ hesitation to switch from cash to digital payment methods due to old habits or lack of understanding of technology.
” Noting that “this matter has increased the chances of some sectors or even the people working in them resisting change, for fear of losing control or being exposed to new risks.”
Al-Shammari concludes, “Despite the great benefits that the electronic payment system can provide, there are some potential negative effects that must be taken into account, including what is known as the digital divide.
The spread of electronic payment may widen the gap between different groups in society, especially between those who have good access to technology and those who lack it, such as the elderly or residents of rural areas. In addition to the security threats resulting from the increasing reliance on digital systems, there may be an increase in electronic fraud and cyber attacks.
” He indicated that “this exposes users’ data and financial accounts to risk, and the loss of privacy, as it requires collecting more data about individuals and their transactions, which raises concerns about privacy and how this data is used, in addition to what is known as financial exclusion, when some individuals or small companies find it difficult to join the electronic payment system due to costs or technical requirements, which may lead to their exclusion from the digital market.
These are requirements and factors that must be carefully considered to reach the stage of sound digital dealings.”
It is noteworthy that the Iraqi government decided last year to oblige all its institutions - in addition to private schools and universities, gas stations, stores, restaurants, pharmacies, medical clinics, and others - to use electronic payment tools, and gave them a deadline to completely switch to this approach until the beginning of next June. LINK
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