Internet Shutdowns

Iraq authorities ordered Internet services to be suspended again on the morning of 3 June 2024, between 6:00 and 8:00 local time (+3 UTC). The shutdown is the third this week and 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.

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

Based on the exam schedule, we except further disruptions on 27 and 29 May and 1, 3, and 5 June.