Iraq considers TikTok ban again
Minister Al-Yasiri attributes the renewed push for banning Iraq's most-used social media app to 'thousands of appeals from Iraqi families' requesting its removal due to content deemed inappropriate and inconsistent with the values of 'our people and our families.' This stance mirrors her previous call for a ban in March 2024, when she argued TikTok contributed to the 'disintegration of the Iraqi social fabric' and lacked educational merit. The Ministry now hopes for, and would implement, a ban mandated by the Iraqi Parliament.
However, the proposed ban faces pushback. Fadel Al-Gharawi, head of the Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq, emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right internationally, while acknowledging that it isn't absolute and shouldn't violate public morals. He noted that while social media has benefits, some TikTok usage in Iraq has deviated from public decency. Crucially, Al-Gharawi argued against a 'comprehensive ban,' advocating instead for platform regulation—similar to measures in other countries—to 'prune' problematic content without denying access.
Al-Gharawi urged the government to foster a safe online environment rather than resorting to bans. Launched globally in 2016 and surpassing 4.5 billion downloads, TikTok's widespread use presents Iraqi authorities with the complex challenge of balancing societal and cultural concerns against principles of digital freedom and access for its millions of users. The app's future in Iraq remains uncertain amid these conflicting pressures.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Iraq Business
3 hours ago
- Iraq Business
Iraq to produce 12GW of Solar Power by 2030
By John Lee. The Iraqi Oil Ministry's Undersecretary for Distribution Affairs, Ali Maarij, has said that Iraq aims to incorporate 12 Gigawatts (GW) of solar power into its energy mix by 2030, alongside intensified efforts to capture natural gas and reduce flaring. He made the comments at a ceremony to launch a major new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on the status and outlook of Iraq's energy transition. Maarij described the report as the result of close cooperation between the Iraqi government-represented by the Ministries of Oil and Electricity-and IRENA. He noted that it offers a comprehensive assessment of Iraq's current energy landscape, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities along the path to cleaner energy. For more details on the report click here. (Source: Ministry of Oil)
Shafaq News
7 hours ago
- Shafaq News
What We Know So Far: Armed PMF Faction storms ministry office
Shafaq News – Baghdad Armed clashes erupted Sunday morning between members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and Iraqi security forces at a Ministry of Agriculture office in the Dora district, south of Baghdad. The incident left two people dead—including a civilian passerby—and injured at least twelve others. According to Iraq's Joint Operations Command, the gunmen belonged to PMF Brigades 45 and 46, affiliated with the Kataib Hezbollah faction. The command said the group stormed a government building and exchanged fire with state security personnel tasked with protecting public institutions. Security forces arrested 14 suspects during the operation. Upon verifying their identities, authorities confirmed all belonged to the aforementioned PMF brigades. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the detainees have been referred to the judiciary. The Iraqi Interior Ministry provided further details, revealing that the armed group broke into the Ministry of Agriculture's office in western Baghdad during an internal meeting, prompting panic among employees who called for immediate help. Several officers and personnel sustained injuries in the confrontation. Security sources told Shafaq News that the incident originated from a dispute between two individuals affiliated with the PMF over an administrative appointment. When the newly appointed director attempted to assume his duties, the current officeholder refused to hand over the position. The incoming official reportedly returned with an armed group, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Military and security officials from Baghdad Operations Command, the Federal Police, and the PMF's own internal security directorate later intervened to de-escalate the situation. Authorities confirmed the site is now secure and no further violence has been reported. Prime Minister Orders Accountability In response, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, held an emergency meeting with senior military officials. He ordered that all individuals involved in the attack be held accountable in accordance with Iraqi law. Al-Sudani emphasized the state's responsibility to protect its institutions and called for a thorough and professional investigation, warning that 'no one is above the law' and that unauthorized armed actions will not be tolerated. PMF Leadership Disavows Incident The PMF Commission issued a statement Sunday evening pledging full cooperation with authorities. It reaffirmed that the PMF operates under the command of the Iraqi state and that any individual or group acting outside established procedures would face consequences. 'The PMF exists to serve the nation and act in coordination with official security institutions,' the statement read. 'Any individual or group that steps outside this framework is violating the law and the principles of the PMF.'
Shafaq News
7 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Hamas accuses Israel of stalling ceasefire talks
Shafaq News - Gaza On Sunday, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya accused Israel of delaying ceasefire negotiations while intensifying its military offensive in Gaza, warning that the enclave faces a worsening humanitarian crisis and efforts to forcibly displace Palestinians. In a televised address, al-Hayya highlighted Hamas's 'maximum flexibility' during 22 months of indirect talks, noting the group participated in every round initiated by mediators. Despite this engagement, he pointed out that Israel abruptly withdrew from the latest round with US backing. 'We engaged in tough negotiations without compromising our people's core principles,' he stated. 'We were surprised by the occupation's withdrawal and the American envoy's alignment with them.' Al-Hayya added that the recent discussions had achieved significant progress, with Hamas closely aligning with proposals from regional mediators. stressing that Israel's departure as a move to buy time and escalate military pressure on civilians. 'There is no justification for continuing negotiations while our people are being starved, bombed, and besieged,' he noted. Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate amid the stalled talks. Six Palestinians, including two children, died from starvation in the past 24 hours, raising the hunger-related death toll to 133, including 87 children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Al-Hayya described the situation as critical, with families enduring heavy casualties, widespread disease, and a blockade severely restricting access to food, water, and medicine. He also warned of a developing strategy to expel Palestinians from Gaza — either into Egypt or by sea — framing it as an attempt to undermine the Palestinian cause. Urging stronger regional action, al-Hayya called on Arab and Muslim nations to sever all ties with Israel and mobilize mass protests, boycotts, and marches toward borders, particularly in countries neighboring Palestine. 'Gaza is calling on the Arab honor and Islamic conscience — it needs action, not words,' he stressed. He further acknowledged ongoing support, including military backing from Yemen, international protests, and convoys attempting to break the blockade by land and sea.
