On August 6, the Iraqi Ministry of Communications made an announcement that the popular messaging app, Telegram, has been blocked due to concerns over national security and the mishandling of users’ personal data. The ministry stated that the application had inaccurately processed the personal information of its users.
In Iraq, Telegram is widely utilized not only for communication but also as a source of news and content. Various channels on the platform contain a significant amount of personal data, including names, addresses, and family connections of Iraqis.
The ministry’s statement reveals that they had requested the closure of “platforms that lead to a leak of data from official state institutions and personal data of citizens.” However, the messenger company did not respond to or act upon any of these requests.
“The Ministry of Communications acknowledges and respects the rights of citizens to freedom of expression and communication, while ensuring the security of the state and its institutions,” emphasized the department.
Certain major communication providers such as Zain and Earthlink, as well as local operators, have already initiated the blocking of Telegram. Furthermore, access to the service’s web version has been limited for most users in Iraq. However, Kurdistan Net and Korek Telecom operators have not yet complied with the authorities’ requirements to block the messenger. Additionally, users can bypass the technical restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Communication through the use of VPN services.