Social media platforms restrict Iraqi activism accounts
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 13: In this photo illustration, the TikTok app is seen on a phone on March 13, 2024 in New York City. Congress is set to vote and pass a bill that could ban the popular app TikTok nationwide and be sent to the Senate for a vote. The bill would force the Chinese firm ByteDance to divest from TikTok and other applications that it owns within six months after passage of the bill or face a ban. Lawmakers argue that ByteDance is beholden to the Chinese government making the app a national security threat. (Photo Illustration by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) (Photo by Michael M. Santiago / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Social media platforms, including Facebook, X and TikTok, have reportedly restricted or banned Iraqi accounts critical of the government following national pressure, the New Arab plus agencies reported on October 22nd.
Iraqi activists and rights organisations have said several journalists and influencers who had previously criticised the government can no longer access the platforms in what is thought to be a joint campaign with Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC).
The restrictions come amid rising concerns over state influence over public discourse, specifically in the run up to the parliamentary elections expected to take place on November 11th.
The New Arab / Maghrebi.org
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