Iraq’s Internet Freedom Under Siege: How Restrictions and Surveillance Shape the Online Landscape

Iraq’s internet landscape has faced increasingly harsh restrictions, with the 2024 Freedom on the Net report categorizing the country as "Partly Free"​. In the past year alone, internet freedoms in Iraq have been curtailed further by the state’s increased control over online content, surveillance, and access limitations. These restrictions are not simply about managing digital spaces but also reflect deeper political struggles and societal tensions.

Why Iraq’s Internet Isn’t Free

The Iraqi government’s influence over internet infrastructure enables it to impose severe restrictions on connectivity during times of unrest or exams, ostensibly to prevent cheating. In 2023, Iraq saw more than 60 internet shutdowns, a record number globally, which critics argue is a tactic to stifle political dissent​. These disruptions, often occurring without public notice, impact everyday life and hinder business operations, costing the economy millions​.

Further complicating Iraq’s internet landscape are regional power struggles. The Kurdistan region, for example, operates under a different set of rules and has its own internet service providers, which sometimes skirt national regulations. This autonomy has led to accusations that the local government favors companies with ties to ruling political parties, enabling them to control internet access and prioritize certain narratives​.

Content Control and Online Censorship

In a bid to curb dissent, the Iraqi government has blocked popular websites and messaging platforms. Last year, authorities temporarily banned Telegram, citing national security concerns, and shut down two independent news websites indefinitely​

. Alongside these measures, the government has cracked down on content that is critical of state policies or deemed culturally inappropriate, including materials supportive of LGBT+ rights, which are increasingly penalized​.

The Impact of Surveillance and Self-Censorship

Iraqis are aware of the ever-present state surveillance that shapes their online behavior. The government has been accused of accessing private communications without judicial approval, and local internet service providers have been reported to store user data extensively, raising privacy concerns​. Such practices foster a climate of self-censorship, as journalists, activists, and everyday users weigh the potential consequences of voicing dissent online​.

As internet freedom in Iraq continues to decline, citizens and journalists alike navigate a complex and often hostile digital environment. In the absence of clear data protection laws and accountability for state overreach, the situation seems unlikely to improve soon. For those advocating for a free and open internet in Iraq, the path forward remains challenging and fraught with risks.

For more insights and updates on the state of internet freedom in Iraq, visit Freedom House’s full report here.