Iraq Implementing Internet Censorship

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government is taking steps to control online traffic, banning websites considered harmful and requiring Internet cafes to register with the authorities, as part of a crackdown that also includes pressuring publishers to censor books.

The cafes and Internet service providers will be required to be licensed by the government, and licenses will be subject to review and possible cancellation if licensees do not meet compliance standards. The move to license cafes has already started.

“Our constitution respects freedom of thought and freedom of expression, but that should come with respect for society as a whole, and for moral behavior,” said Taher Naser al-Hmood, Iraq’s deputy cultural minister. “It is not easy to balance security and democracy. It is like being a tightrope walker.”

Ziad al-Ajeeli, director of the Society to Defend the Freedom of the Press, a nonprofit Iraqi group, said the new rules constitute a “return of dictatorship.”

“Imposing censorship represents an end of the freedom of expression and thought that arrived in Iraq after April 9, 2003,” he said, referring to the day a statue of Saddam Hussein was toppled in Baghdad.

After the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Iraqis could access information and websites that had been blocked under Saddam Hussein, including American and Israeli news and entertainment sites, music videos featuring scantily clad singers, websites recruiting suicide bombers, racy Egyptian soap operas and romance novels.

The constitution of Iraq guarantees freedom of expression, but only if it “does not violate public order and morality.” It also specifically prohibits material that includes accusations of being an apostate — a justification that has been used by Sunni extremists to kill Shiites, who dominate the Iraq government.

It is estimated that only a few hundred thousand people have Internet access in Iraq, but it is popular among the young. Among the more popular uses are Facebook, dating sites and adult entertainment websites.

This spring, the government contacted the few Iraqi book publishers still in business and asked them to compile lists of their books, along with a description of the subject matter. The material is to be kept at the Ministry of Culture, which is also preparing a document to be signed by publishers in which they will pledge not to distribute books the government deems offensive.

Book publishers say the new policy could be the end of Iraq’s book publishing industry.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

AEBN Announces Peter Green as Top Male Boy/Girl Performer for Summer 2025

AEBN has revealed its top 10 male Boy/Girl performers for summer 2025, with Peter Green landing atop the leaderboard.

Spicey AI Relaunches Site, Debuts $Spicey Tokens

Interactive voice chat platform Spicey AI has relaunched its website and introduced $Spicey tokens.

FSC: Missouri Age Verification Rule Will Not Take Effect August 30

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced that Missouri's proposed age verification legislation will not take effect on August 30, as it had originally estimated.

Little Caprice, Marcello Bravo to Co-Host 2025 XMA Europa Awards

XBIZ is pleased to announce that husband-and-wife duo Little Caprice and Marcello Bravo will co-host adult’s biggest night in Europe: the 2025 XMA Europa Awards on Sept. 4, in the epic climax to XBIZ’s fall events series.

Germany Will Block Payments to AV-Noncompliant Adult Sites as of Dec. 1

Starting Dec. 1, Germany will implement new rules prohibiting financial institutions from providing payment services to adult sites deemed to have inadequate age verification systems and making it easier for the government to target websites mirroring the content of such sites.

Jerkmate Joins Pineapple Support as Partner-Level Sponsor

Jerkmate has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Launches Age Verification Toolkit for Adult Websites

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced today that it has launched a comprehensive toolkit to help adult websites navigate age verification laws.

Romero Mr. Alien to Present XBIZ Talk at Amsterdam Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that noted producer/director Romero Mr. Alien, the impresario of the XMAs award-winning studio Hentaied, will present an exclusive talk at next month’s Amsterdam conference.

New Fansly Analytics Platform 'SlyKiwi' Launches

SlyKiwi, a new analytics platform exclusively designed for Fansly content, has officially launched.

FPNCash Appoints Kimi Evans Head of Business Development

FPNCash has appointed Kimi Evans as its new head of business development.

Show More