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Iraq Blocks IMDb Over Concerns of Immoral Content

Iraq’s Ministry of Communications has blocked access to IMDb due to concerns regarding immoral content, claiming it is an action taken to protect cultural values. Despite the ban, Iraq grapples with high internet costs and slow service, highlighting a broader decline in internet freedom. The move aligns with increasing restrictions on digital content in the region.

On November 26, Iraq’s Ministry of Communications enacted a ban on access to IMDb, the prominent internet movie and television database, citing concerns regarding what they deemed to be “immoral content.” The ministry’s decision followed ongoing surveillance by Al-Salam General Company, an entity responsible for the review and blocking of specific online content. The ban is said to protect Iraqi culture and societal values, although the ministry did not specify the particular content that instigated this action.

IMDb, owned by Amazon since 1998, boasts over 200 million monthly users and serves as a reliable resource for movies, television shows, and celebrity information. Despite its dominance in the entertainment sector, the absence of Arabic language support may limit its accessibility to a wider audience in Iraq. Previous reports have indicated a marked decline in internet freedom in Iraq, with a notable spike in censorship and website blocking, particularly in the academic sector, where internet outages have become commonplace to mitigate cheating during examinations.

The Al-Sudani administration has adopted increasingly stringent measures to ensure control over digital content and communication channels, exhibiting a trend reminiscent of neighboring countries, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, which have implemented strict regulations on internet access. This regulation reflects a broader issue within Iraq regarding internet infrastructure, where users continue to grapple with high costs and slow service speeds, especially in rural areas. As of January 2024, internet penetration in Iraq stood at 78.7%, equating to approximately 36.22 million users, yet persistent infrastructure deficiencies pose significant challenges to development and accessibility.

The blocking of IMDb represents a significant step in Iraq’s ongoing campaign to regulate online content and maintain cultural standards, which continues to evolve amidst growing unrest and political instability.

Following a history marked by conflict, Iraq’s internet freedom has experienced a considerable downturn, exacerbated by governmental control over online content. The country’s administration has engaged in multiple internet outages ostensibly to prevent cheating during examinations. Additionally, significant sectors of the population have limited access to the internet due to both high costs and outdated infrastructure, particularly in rural regions. The recent ban of IMDb exemplifies this trend of increased censorship, similar to actions observed in neighboring countries known for strict internet regulations.

In summary, Iraq’s Ministry of Communications has blocked the IMDb website, citing concerns about immoral content as a pretext to preserve cultural values. This decision reflects a broader trend of increasing internet censorship in the country, where governmental control continues to tighten. The ban comes amidst worsening internet freedom conditions and infrastructural obstacles for users, particularly in rural areas. The case of IMDb underscores the ongoing struggle between cultural preservation and digital accessibility in Iraq.

Original Source: www.intellinews.com

Lila Chaudhury

Lila Chaudhury is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in international reporting. Born and raised in Mumbai, she obtained her degree in Journalism from the University of Delhi. Her career began at a local newspaper where she quickly developed a reputation for her incisive analysis and compelling storytelling. Lila has worked with various global news organizations and has reported from conflict zones and emerging democracies, earning accolades for her brave coverage and dedication to truth.

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