Internet Shutdown For Iraq Exams, 21 May 2024

Iraq

21 May, 2024 03:00 - 05:00 (2 hours)

Local Impact

Iraq authorities ordered Internet services to be suspended on 21 May 2024, between 6:00 and 8:00 local time (+3 UTC). The shutdown follows an announcement by Iraq’s Ministry of Communication on 19 May 2024 stating that they will enact the Ministry of Education’s request to order Internet shutdowns on exam days in May and June as part of its efforts to prevent cheating.

In an open letter to the Prime Minister of Iraq, the #KeepItOn coalition, which the Internet Society is a member, recently urged authorities to abstain from implementing Internet shutdowns during exams. The letter notes the lack of evidence demonstrating their impact on exam cheating, the economic cost of shutdowns on the country, and their violation of human rights.

Iraq ordered more than 40 Internet shutdowns last year, most of which were related to exams.

Cause Documentation

A screenshot of an announcement on the Ministry of Communications website on 19 May 2024 regarding planned Internet shutdowns related to exam period.

Data and Analysis

According to IODA, Internet connectivity in Iraq began to drop at 3:00 UTC (6:00 local time) and was restored to normal by 5:00 UTC (8:00 local time).

Screenshot of time series graph showing drop of Internet connectivity from 100% to below 80% between 3:00 to 5:00 UTC on 21 May 2024

Cloudflare Radar and Google Tranbsparency Report have recorded a similar drop in Internet traffic and Google Search usage respectively.

Internet Shutdowns

Iraq