Why Should Businesses Connect to Government Systems?
Improving performance and providing better services to customers increasingly requires businesses to access government data and services. One of the most important tools enabling communication between businesses and government agencies is the API (Application Programming Interface). However, Iranian businesses currently face numerous challenges when trying to connect with domestic government systems.
Many business managers believe that information integration can help deliver better services to users. Given the rapid growth of online businesses in Iran, the need for such integration and connection to government systems via APIs has become even more critical.
Behraad Azadi, CEO of the digital health platform “DoctorTo,” emphasizes that access to certain data can significantly improve services. He highlights a vital API—access to the medical practitioners’ database through the Medical Council—which allows businesses to verify doctors’ specialties, phone numbers, and licenses. Additionally, APIs from Social Security Insurance, Health Insurance, and supplementary insurers are essential for facilitating payment processes and coverage by insurers, making connection to government systems a necessity for businesses.
Unfortunately, DoctorTo is not yet connected to any of these government systems, which causes problems in verifying doctors’ credentials and insurance coverage for its users. Azadi hopes the government will soon provide access to these APIs so that better services can be offered.
From Identity Verification to Product Authenticity
Online platforms require connections to government services and APIs to increase user security and trust by verifying identities and product authenticity. Divar, a leading online classifieds platform in Iran, faces several challenges in this regard. From verifying user identities to authenticating goods and services offered on the platform, these tasks rely on precise and reliable APIs. Without them, verifying identities and authenticating products becomes impossible.
Ashkan Mirarmandehi, CEO of Divar, explains the critical need for government-provided APIs from two perspectives: first, improving identity verification and product authenticity systems to build greater trust among users, thereby offering more reliable and valuable services. This, in turn, reduces public costs by preventing fraud and related issues, leading to fewer legal cases and decreased urban traffic due to increased online service trust.
Second, Mirarmandehi points out that access to these APIs positively impacts overall transparency. Some of the misunderstandings or dissatisfaction that government bodies, including the judiciary, have with online businesses stem from issues that can only be resolved through these APIs. For instance, accusations about platforms affecting real estate or car prices or enabling fraud can be transparently addressed with proper API access. This transparency helps prevent misinformation and ensures clear monitoring of online platform activities.
Currently, Divar relies on the “Shahkar” service for identity verification. However, this service does not provide the advanced verification levels needed. To improve accuracy, Divar has turned to several independent private providers offering video verification services despite the high costs involved.
Mirarmandehi also highlights that Divar requires APIs to verify authenticity in five key categories: real estate, vehicles, services, employment, and various product categories. For example, vehicle APIs must confirm ownership and details such as color and manufacture year, while real estate APIs should return precise property information like address and specifications. Ease of use is crucial for these APIs—for instance, simplifying Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) entry is necessary.
Despite the current high costs and market monopolies in video verification, Divar is striving to meet user needs. However, the government, with its broader access, can collaborate to make these APIs more affordable and user-friendly, enabling citizens to access these services efficiently and reliably online.
Enabling the Growth of Digital Businesses
Access to government APIs is vital not only for improving the quality of online business services but also for fostering the growth of Iran’s digital economy. These connections enable more accurate identity verification, streamlined insurance processes, and increased public trust in online platforms. By facilitating access to these critical tools, the government can play a pivotal role in enhancing transparency, reducing costs, and raising service quality.
The key to success lies in synergy between government agencies and the private sector to create integrated information systems that pave the way for the development and expansion of digital businesses.
Source: Peivast