We’ve already know  how Iraq is moving toward internet tyranny by implementing harsh means of monitoring. Lawmakers have been attacked for limiting freedom of expression in the country with the draught cybercrimes bill.
For now, the language of the bill refers to the offence of violating “religious, moral, familial or social norms.” A one-year jail sentence would be imposed for this offence, while “harming the name of the country online” would warrant life imprisonment. When you consider how ambiguous the vocabulary is and how readily it can be used to justify state tyranny, this is really concerning.
A human rights advocacy group, Freedom House, adds that Iraq is “not-free,” citing the lack of an independent media and the constant flouting of human rights legislation as evidence that these principles are not being taken very seriously. In reality, the constitution itself permits for the suppression of the media and free expression in order to maintain public order and morality.
State retaliation can be brought against those who publish on social media about contentious issues. Political speech has led to arbitrary arrest and reprisals.
As a result of political and societal unrest, internet restrictions have been implemented. In July 2018, the Iraqi government blocked access to social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook in order to prevent online criticism and calls for protest. In the event that this happens again, a virtual private network (VPN) can allow you to access your favorite services as if they were not affected at all.
For those who want to blog anonymously in Iraq, check out our instructions on how to do so.