The Syrian Future Movement is closely following the technical and administrative developments taking place in the country during the transitional phase. It considers the official announcement of the Zoom platform’s launch in Syria on October 13, 2025, a step of both symbolic and practical significance. It reflects the beginning of the dismantling of the digital isolation that has extended for years and paves the way for rebuilding the communications system on modern foundations.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that the entry of Zoom into Syria is not only a technical indicator, but also part of a broader landscape reflecting a shift in the state’s philosophy toward communication tools and digital openness. We believe this step represents the beginning of a correction of a long process of restrictions and monopoly, providing civil society, educational institutions, and the private sector with previously deprived communication tools.
The Syrian Future Movement welcomes this step in principle, given its potential to enhance community participation, facilitate national dialogue, and develop the work and educational environment. The movement also views it with critical realism, as allowing a single platform is not sufficient to describe a comprehensive digital transformation, nor does it address the structural challenges facing the telecommunications sector. Despite the apparent positivity, the movement believes that fundamental obstacles remain that hinder the development of the telecommunications sector, most notably:
- Weak digital infrastructure, especially in major cities, as well as rural and marginalized areas.
- Slow internet speeds and uneven geographic coverage, which limits digital justice and prevents access to all services.
- Lack of transparency in technology policies and a lack of clarity in the legislative framework governing privacy and data protection.
Based on the vision of the Syrian Future Movement, developing the telecommunications sector requires:
- Restructuring the infrastructure through fiber optic projects and expanding international connectivity, which the Ministry appears to be working on, but to no avail.
- Updating technology legislation to ensure fair competition and user protection.
- Involving youth and local expertise in formulating digital policies.
- Strengthening partnerships with the private sector to provide sustainable and advanced services.
- Ensuring equitable access to the internet as a fundamental right for all citizens.
The Syrian Future Movement views the launch of the Zoom platform as an additional step toward building a more open digital environment. However, it alone is not sufficient to achieve the desired transformation. What is required is a comprehensive national vision based on transparency, participation, and technological justice, and one that places people at the heart of digital policies.
