Internet Filtering:Iraq

Kenneth Perzan JrEthics for Cyberspace

Spring I 2010

BackgroundPopulation: nearly 29 million

As of 2006, over 650,000 Iraqi deaths have been credited to the war.

Article 36 of the Iraqi constitution guarantees freedom of expression.

Internet users (% of population)… 0.1

Internet Growth

In 2002 there were an estimated 45,000 internet users, mostly state officials.

It is now estimated that there are over 300,000 internet users.

There is a very active Iraqi blogging community that often attracts international media.

Internet GrowthThe U.S. Defense Department spent more than USD 165 million to set up cybercafés in Iraq.

In 2004 there were 36 cybercafés, in less than two years there were more than 170.

Many believe the United States has total control of Iraq’s telecommunications system.

Cybercafés close at sundown, due to fear of occupying forces and those of the resistance.

Secured SiteU.S. forces have detained dozens of journalists since the war began.

Iraqi networks have been ordered not to show scenes of violence or produce incitement.

The BBC reported that the Pentagon keeps a close eye on what US troops post online.

Non-conservative web sites such as The Memory Hole and Wonkette have reportedly been blocked on military computers.

ConclusionIraq does not currently have an internet filtering policy, nor is there evidence of filtering.

The deadly conflict and deteriorating living conditions make it difficult for Iraqis to enjoy their newfound internet freedom.

There have been reports that the highly pervasive internet filtering of Iran, may be influencing Iraqi officials to do the same in the years to come.

Sources

Iraq readies for possible Internet crackdownhttp://www.theworld.org/2009/09/14/iraq-readies-for-possible-internet-crackdown/

“Access Denied” Edited by Deibert, Palfrey, Rohozinski, Zittrain, 2008

CIA World Fact Book

Audio Clip