Past

National shutdown

The Iraqi Government ordered the suspension of Internet services on the morning of 13 June 2026, between 6:00 and 7:30 local time (+3 UTC). This is part of a series of expected shutdowns during the public school exams. This series covers the first round of the Iraq Vocational Schools Exam Schedule, which runs until 4 July 2026.

  • Total Duration 1 hour

Flag of Iraq Iraq

Population
46,042,015

Freedom House rates Internet freedom as Partly Free

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Related documentation

Local media reported that the Ministry of Communications in Iraq announced on 19 May that it will suspend Internet access during the examinations. The shutdown is expected to run for an hour and a half on exam days, between 6:00 and 7:30 local time (+3 UTC).

In a video message, Minister Mustafa Sanad, Iraq's Minister of Communication, confirmed the shutdown and vowed to develop a digital system that would eliminate the need for centralized exam distribution and, by extension, the need to shut down Internet access on exam days.

A table issued by Iraqi government with 8 exams scheduled between 13th June and 4th July 2026 for Vocational education..
Iraqi Vocational Schools Exam Schedule, first round 2026

Other supporting information

Cloudflare Radar and IODA data showing the shutdown affecting Iraqi networks.

A graph from Cloudflare Radar indicating shutdowns in Iraq networks on 15 June.
A graph from Cloudflare Radar indicating shutdowns in Iraq networks on 15 June.
A graph from IODA indicating shutdowns in Iraqi networks on 15 June.
A graph from IODA indicating shutdowns in Iraqi networks on 15 June.