Iraq’s Ministry of Communications has blocked IMDb due to concerns over “immoral content,” following assessments by state monitoring bodies. This decision is part of a broader decline in internet freedom and increased website censorship in Iraq. The government’s actions are aimed at preserving cultural values, despite the impact on internet access and economic activity.
On November 26, Iraq’s Ministry of Communications instituted a ban on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), citing concerns over what it termed “immoral content.” This suspension affects a globally recognized entertainment platform that attracts over 200 million monthly visitors, providing a range of services related to films, television series, and celebrity information. The decision stemmed from a continuous assessment by Al-Salam General Company, a state-run entity tasked with monitoring and regulating online content. Furthermore, officials emphasized that the blocking of the site was not arbitrary and was executed to safeguard Iraqi cultural values and the social framework, although they did not specify which particular contents led to the prohibition.
The blocking of IMDb is part of a broader trend of increasing restrictions on internet access in Iraq. Over the past year, the country has seen a marked deterioration in internet freedom, characterized by extensive website blocking practices and harsh penalties for online content. The government has also implemented numerous internet outages, particularly during examinations to curb cheating, affecting economic productivity. With an internet penetration of 78.7% and over 36 million users, Iraq faces significant challenges, such as high internet costs and an inadequate infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, where slower technology prevails.
The decision to ban IMDb reflects Iraq’s escalating measures to regulate online content, paralleling actions taken by neighboring nations such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. While the Ministry of Communications claims that the ban is intended to protect societal values, the broader implications include a notable reduction in internet freedom and accessibility, signaling a troubling trend for digital rights within the country.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
