Telegram did not comment on the situation.
The Iraqi Ministry of Communications announced that Telegram was blocked for national security reasons and in order to preserve the integrity of the personal data of users who were allegedly mistreated by the application.
The app is widely used in Iraq for messaging and as a source of news and content sharing. Some channels contain large amounts of personal information, including the names, addresses, and family ties of Iraqis.
The ministry said in a statement that it asked the app to shut down “platforms that leak data from official government agencies and personal data of citizens <…> but the company did not respond to any of the requests.”
Telegram blocked for national security reasons and to preserve the integrity of personal data in Iraq
“The Ministry of Communications reaffirms its respect for the rights of citizens to freedom of speech and communication without prejudice to the security of the state and its institutions,” the statement said.
Telegram did not respond to a request for comment.
