Major social media platforms have reportedly limited or removed Iraqi accounts critical of the state after government pressure, according to Iraqi activists and rights groups.
Several Iraqi journalists and influencers lost access to platforms, including Facebook, X, and TikTok, last week. Press freedom groups link these actions to cooperation between Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) and social media companies.
These restrictions have heightened concerns about state influence over public discourse, particularly during the campaign period for Iraq's 11 November parliamentary elections.
On 17 October, the Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Iraq (AEFI), with support from the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights (IOHR), stated that the CMC is actively limiting access to independent media and journalists.
AEFI suspects the commission may have agreements with Meta and TikTok to restrict journalists' accounts.
AEFI described these measures as inconsistent with the Iraqi Constitution and international human rights obligations regarding freedom of expression. AEFI raised concerns that such actions could affect the protection of independent voices since 2003.
The group cited Article 38 of Iraq's Constitution, which guarantees "freedom of expression, the press and publication in all its forms," and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which affirms the right to "seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers."
Moreover, AEFI stated its position that limits on speech should be established through court decisions, rather than government offices or undisclosed agreements with companies. The group expressed concern that current practices might influence digital platforms and have consequences for media independence in Iraq.
It urged Iraq's president, prime minister, and parliamentary speaker to suspend the CMC's censorship measures, revoke any agreements with social media companies, and ensure a safe environment for journalists and content creators.
Meta's Transparency Centre confirmed it had restricted access to two Facebook posts in Iraq, stating it did so in response to requests from the CMC that cited Federal Supreme Court decisions and Article 229 of the Iraqi Penal Code. Article 229 addresses penalties for insulting or defaming public officials. Meta specified that although the content did not breach its Community Standards, it was blocked in Iraq to comply with local law.
The posts reportedly contained allegations against senior judicial officials. Meta said that while the posts did not violate its Community Standards, they were made inaccessible in Iraq due to claims of violating local law as interpreted by the CMC and courts. Meta noted that if it fails to comply with such requests, it risks having advertising and payment services from Iraq’s Central Bank blocked.
The Communications and Media Commission did not respond to The New Arab's request for comment.
Some observers have differing opinions on the restrictions.
Rahman Gharib, Coordinator of the Metro Centre for Journalists' Rights and Advocacy, told TNA that restricting free speech is at odds with the principles of the social media companies. However, he believes platforms act on Iraq's requests to manage pages considered to spread false information, hate speech, or content that does not align with societal values.
Gharib argued against the notion that Iraqi Mrime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani was limiting criticism and freedom of expression ahead of elections. He stated, "Sudani has shown openness toward youths, media, and freedom of expression. At this point, he is not restricting free speech in an authoritarian manner."
"Iraq is full of pages promoting hate speech, disinformation, and attacks on women," he added. "Social media platforms have their own filters and review processes—they can't just ban pages at the request of less democratic states without consideration."
Meanwhile, supporters of free expression warn that such restrictions may mark a broader shift toward government control online, representing a direct challenge to press freedom in Iraq.