Iraq lifts ban on Telegram App
The logo of Telegram app. Photo: Getty Images
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Ministry of Communications announced that it will lift the ban on the Telegram application in Iraq starting Sunday, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported.
The Communications Ministry mentioned in a statement that the decision comes in response to the Prime Minister’s directives and the cooperation of the company owning the application with the Iraqi security agencies in detecting leakers of citizens’ data.
The ministry illustrated that the company is ready to communicate with the Iraqi authorities through official channels, according to the statement.
The ministry reaffirmed that it does not oppose freedom of expression but stresses the importance of respecting Iraq’s laws and security and protecting user data, according to the statement.
Last Sunday, The Communications Ministry announced that it blocked the Telegram messaging application for national security reasons, based on directives from superior agencies.
The ministry mentioned that the step aims to preserve the personal data of citizens, as Telegram mismanaged users’ personal data.
The Communications Ministry clarified last week that governmental institutions in Iraq repeatedly asked the company operating the Telegram App to close platforms that cause leakage of data from state institutions and personal data of citizens.
The app is widely used in Iraq for messaging but also as a source of news and for sharing content, according to Reuters.
Some channels contain large amounts of personal data, including the names, addresses and family ties of Iraqis, Reuters added.
The Ministry of Communication confirmed that it respects citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and communication without compromising the security of the state or governmental institutions.