Iraq

Federal Supreme Court ruling to block pornographic websites renewed: Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court once again issues a ruling to block access to pornographic websites across the country.

CMC introduces new fees and regulations for social media influencers: The Communications and Media Commission introduces new rules requiring digital content creators and social media influencers to register annually and pay fees based on follower counts, along with adherence to specific content standards.

Ministry of Communications blocks IMDB website: The Iraqi Ministry of Communications blocks access to the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) website across federal Iraq, citing 'unethical content' and its alleged connection to pornographic websites.

Law on Combating Prostitution amended to criminalize 'promoting homosexuality': Amendments to Law No. 8 of 1988 are passed, criminalizing 'promoting homosexuality' with prison sentences of up to seven years and steep fines.

Minister of Communications petitions cabinet to block TikTok: Iraqi Minister of Communications Hayam Al-Yasiri petitions the cabinet to block TikTok, arguing it contributes to 'disintegration of the Iraqi social fabric' and is used for immoral content.

Federal Supreme Court reissues content blocking order: The court reissues its order to block pornographic websites, adding bans on 'publishing content that is indecent, blasphemous, or disrespectful to the divine' and 'promoting and disseminating immorality, prostitution, sexual deviance, and insulting others'.

Federal Supreme Court orders blocking of pornographic websites: The Federal Supreme Court issues a provisional order to halt and block all pornographic websites nationwide, including in the Kurdistan region.

Arrests for 'immoral' and 'indecent' content: Authorities in the Kurdistan region detain minors for 'immoral content' and issue arrest warrants for artists and influencers for 'indecent content' on social media.

CMC directs media on 'homosexuality' terminology: The CMC directs all media outlets and social media platforms not to use the term 'homosexuality' and to replace it with 'sexual deviancy', prohibiting promotion of these terms.

Draft CMC Regulation No. 1 of 2023 for Digital Content leaked/proposed: A draft regulation is introduced, proposing broad powers for the CMC to remove online content, impose fines, and issue criminal penalties for 'prohibited' content, including 'promoting homosexuality' and content 'insulting the state'. This draft had not been adopted as of June 2024.

Supreme Judicial Council issues directive on 'immoral' content: The Supreme Judicial Council directs courts and public prosecution to take strict legal measures against those publishing content offending public taste/morals or insulting state institutions.

Ministry of Interior introduces 'Balgh' platform: The Iraqi Ministry of Interior launches 'Balgh,' an online platform for users to report social media content deemed 'offensive to public taste or modesty' or 'destabilizing social stability'.

Council of Ministers ends 20% communications services tax: The Council of Ministers, with Ministry of Communications support, decides to end the 20% communications services tax in place since 2013.

Ministry of Communications blocks pornographic websites: The Iraqi Minister of Communications issues a directive to block pornography websites, leading to over 400 sites being blocked within days.

KRG directs ISPs to offer 'family packages': The Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Transport and Communications directs internet companies to provide 'family packages' to block pornography and other inappropriate content.

Cybercrime Law draft reintroduced for vote: The Iraqi Security and Defense Parliamentary Committee announces its intention to re-present the 'Information Crimes Law' draft for a vote.

Revised Cybercrime Law draft presented: A revised version of the Cybercrime Law is presented to parliament but is not passed.

Iraqi parliament votes to block pornographic sites: The Iraqi parliament votes to block pornographic websites, but the directive is not implemented by the Ministry of Communications until 2022.

Human Rights Watch criticizes draft Cybercrime Law: HRW publishes a report criticizing the draft Cybercrime Law for its vague wording and harsh penalties, warning it would violate freedom of expression.

Draft 'Information Technology Crimes Law' (Cybercrime Law) introduced: The Iraqi government introduces a draft Cybercrime Law with vague and broad provisions, criticized by human rights groups for potentially restricting freedom of expression.

Iraq announces plans for internet porn and violence crackdown: The Iraqi government decides to crack down on ISPs and ban sites inciting violence or carrying pornography, citing national security and social morals.

Iraqi Constitution enacted: Article 38 guarantees freedom of expression but stipulates it must 'not violate public order and morals,' providing leeway for content restrictions.

Law on Combating Prostitution No. 8 enacted: This law, later amended, is used to impose criminal penalties related to 'immoral' acts, including online content.

Iraqi Penal Code No. 111 enacted: This foundational law includes provisions related to public morality and indecency (e.g., Article 403, 434, 435, 226) which are used to criminalize various forms of online content.