Past

National shutdown

Iraq experienced its second Internet shutdown in as many days. The shutdown was ordered by government authorities to curb cheating during high school exams. Shutdowns are expected daily from 21-27 June 2023. As we have repeatedly written about here on Pulse how Internet shutdowns cause great harm to a country’s economy and society and are in our opinion NOT the appropriate mechanism to cope with potential exam cheating.

  • Total Duration 4 hours

Flag of Iraq Iraq

Population
45,074,049

Freedom House rates Internet freedom as Partly Free

View full country profile for Iraq

Local impact

Iraq experienced its second Internet shutdown in as many days. The shutdown was ordered by government authorities to curb cheating during high school exams. Shutdowns are expected daily from 21-27 June 2023. As we have repeatedly written about here on Pulse how Internet shutdowns cause great harm to a country’s economy and society and are in our opinion NOT the appropriate mechanism to cope with potential exam cheating.

Other supporting information

IODA measurements show a similar drop to yesterday's shutdown, beginning at 01:00 and ending at 05:30 (UTC).

Chart from IODA showing measurements of Internet connectivity and the drop during the shutdown period.

Cloudflare Radar also shows the shutdown.

Chart from Cloudflare Radar showing the Internet shutdown in Iraq on 22 June.

Social media