Iraq
Authorities in Iraq blocked access to several social media and messaging apps during the school exam period in a misguided attempt to curb cheating. The partial shutdown lasted for several days, with access to WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Telegram blocked from 4am – noon.
Iraq is just one of several countries that regularly shuts down or restricts Internet access during national school exams. Often used as a method to stop questions from being leaked prior to exams as well as to prevent cheating during exams, these Internet shutdowns block access to for everyone, not just the students taking the exams. Restricting access affects the livelihoods of millions of people by cutting off their access to online businesses, services, and communication methods.
Iraq’s Ministry of Communications official Facebook page posted the following announcement:
Translation: “The Ministry of Communications notes the blocking of social media sites during the introductory examination period at the request of the Ministry of Education.”
Authorities in Iraq blocked access to several social media services for the primary general school exams that occurred between 5 – 13 of February. The blocking was requested by the Ministry of Communications based on a request from the Ministry of Education. Blocking was implemented daily between 4am and noon local time every day.
OONI
