Empty classroom in Iraq with desks, no people

Iraq: Exam Season 2023 Internet Shutdowns

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Senior Communication and Technology Advisor, Internet Society
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June 7, 2023

The Iraq Ministry of Communication has disregarded requests to not shut down access to the Internet during the first round of the 2023 general exams happening from 1 June to 15 July.

Since 2015, Iraq has imposed Internet shutdowns for a few hours before scheduled exams to combat cheating. In the case of 2023, these shutdowns are happening from 4:00 to 8:00 local time.

See data and measurements of all shutdowns in Iraq since May 2019.

At Internet Society Pulse, we repeatedly discuss the issue of shutting down access to the Internet during exams and how it hinders digital development and online rights. Learn more about exam shutdowns in 2023.

Take action against exam shutdowns. Join the effort to demand authorities guarantee open access to the Internet at all times. Middle Eastern governments must hear our call: #NoExamShutdown!

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