Over the weekend, Iraq’s telecommunications ministry revoked the prohibition on Telegram, a few days after the agency had suspended the messaging application due to security apprehensions.
The ministry clarified that the ban was lifted based on the “positive response from the application’s owning company to the demands of security agencies.” These demands entailed Telegram’s cooperation in identifying the origins of data leaks involving government officials and citizens, as per a translated announcement.
The ministry highlighted Telegram’s dedication to engaging with authorities regarding security matters, emphasizing its stance of not opposing the principle of freedom of speech.
In a statement to Reuters, Telegram stated that it explicitly prohibits users from sharing private information on the platform without consent. The messaging app operator assured that it did not disclose any private user data to Iraqi authorities.
“Despite this, we can confirm that Telegram was not requested to furnish private user data, and no such data has been disclosed,” the company conveyed in an official statement provided to the publication.
The preceding week, Iraq imposed a prohibition on the chat application, citing the widespread dissemination of private individual data, including names, addresses, and familial connections, across numerous channels. During that period, the ministry asserted that Telegram, boasting a user base exceeding 800 million globally, had not responded to their appeals. Consequently, the app was banned within the nation.
Iraq’s approach to internet control has drawn global scrutiny, with international organizations condemning its censorship practices. Over recent months, the country has recurrently suspended internet access on multiple occasions, aiming to prevent exam-related cheating. In July, Amnesty International cautioned against the potential implications of Iraq’s proposed legislation, which could grant authorities the authority to penalize anyone who voices criticism toward the government.
