Iraq

Overview

Before the US invasion of Iraq, Internet access was tightly controlled. In 2002 it was estimated that less than one percent of Iraqis were able to use the Internet. Most of those with Internet access were government officials or those able to pay the very high service fees. Since 2003, Internet access and activity in Iraq has grown, in part aided by US government-implemented legal frameworks that protect free expression online. Concerns exist, however, that as US influence wanes in Iraq, the government will begin to filter content. While the government does not currently engage in filtering or online censorship, many Iraqis already engage in self-censorship out of fear of reprisals from the Iraqi government, criminal gangs, and terrorist insurgency groups.

Access

Internet penetration in Iraq is difficult to measure, as many Iraqis access Internet illegally through the secondary use of existing subscribers. The most recent ITU estimate concluded that, in 2012, approximately seven percent of Iraqis used the Internet, giving the country one of the lowest penetration rates in the region. This can be attributed at least in part to Iraq’s weak ICT infrastructure; most Internet users depending on costly satellite connections and WiFi hotspots from private companies that often operate without a license. The US military deployed a fiber optic cable during operations in Iraq that has been transferred to the Iraqi government. However, Internet access is still costly for most Iraqis, and telecom companies often complain of infrastructure impediments that make penetration difficult and limit bandwidth. Throughout Iraq, mobile broadband has become the preferred alternative to fixed bandwidth, though mobile operators claim the Communications and Media Commission has been reluctant to issue licenses that might enable 3G access.

Control

There is currently no evidence that the Iraqi government has engaged in Internet filtering. A number of recent developments, however, have raised concerns that government controls over the Internet could be used for censorship purposes. In 2009, the Iraqi government signed a deal with a French company to deploy an ICT security system that makes it possible for the government to monitor users and to block access to specific online content. On other occasions the government has also announced plans to block “immoral” online content and to require Internet cafes to register with the Ministry of Communications. Legally, the Iraqi Constitution guarantees the freedoms of the press and expression so long as they do "not violate public order and morality." Despite this legal framework, abuse by government officials and the lack of trust in public institutions lead many Iraqis to engage in self-censorship. Media workers tend to be especially fearful of reprisals by government, armed sectarian groups, and criminal gangs.

Activity

Despite Iraq’s low rate of Internet penetration, nearly 8 percent of the population is registered on Facebook, and a 2011 nationwide survey found that 16 percent of Iraqis used their phones to interact with social media. Some of the major actors online include citizen journalists, political activists, and insurgent groups. The first two of those groups often engage in self-censorship in order to avoid reprisals by the government or military groups. Militant groups, including al-Qaeda, have been known to use the Internet to recruit members; they have also worked to develop online encryption tools that enable them to communicate securely without government interference.