Iraq Parliament Passes Controversial Anti-Cybercrime Bill Amid Concerns Over Freedom of Expression

The Iraqi Council of Representatives has approved a new anti-cybercrimes bill, sparking debate over its potential impact on freedom of expression and online privacy.

Key Provisions of the Law

• Defines cybercrime as any criminal act committed using a computer, network or other information technology systems
• Imposes penalties ranging from imprisonment to fines for various offenses, including:
  • Promoting immorality, debauchery, or breaching public decency
  • Using technology to entice others into prostitution
  • Violating privacy
  • Obtaining confidential information related to national security

Concerns Over Freedom of Expression and Online Privacy

• Human rights groups have expressed concerns that the law’s language is too broad and could be used to suppress freedom of expression
• Amnesty International has criticized the bill for using ambiguous terms such as “religious, family, and social values” without defining what they mean, which could lead to arbitrary arrests and imprisonment
• The Iraqi Observatory for Press Freedoms has expressed concerns that the law would give the government too much power to control online content and punish individuals who express opinions deemed objectionable
• Human Rights Watch has warned that the bill’s provisions on freedom of expression are unclear and could be used to silence critics of the government

Reactions from Lawmakers

• Some lawmakers, including First Deputy Speaker Hassan Al-Kaabi, have defended the bill, arguing that it is necessary to protect Iraqi citizens’ security and privacy
• Others have criticized the law as too restrictive and call for revisions to ensure that it does not infringe on legitimate online activities

Controversial Provisions

• The National Center for Digital Evidence will be established under the new law to issue reports on technical evidence used in cybercrime cases, but critics argue that this body could be used to monitor and suppress online activity rather than protect individuals’ rights

Next Steps

• The Iraqi government has yet to announce when the bill will come into effect
• Human rights groups are urging parliamentarians to reconsider the law and ensure that it protects both national security and individual freedoms