Cybercrime Bill Sparks Debate in Iraqi Parliament

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The Iraqi parliament has finalized reading and discussing a new anti-cybercrimes bill, aimed at tackling the growing threat of cyberattacks in the country’s financial sector. However, the legislation has sparked controversy among lawmakers over concerns that it may infringe on freedom of expression.

Key Provisions

• Defines “cybercrime” as any criminal act committed using a computer, computer network, or other information technology systems.
• Applies to crimes committed within Iraq or abroad and guarantees freedom of expression for individuals, civil society institutions, and media outlets as long as they express their opinions in an objective and constructive manner.
• Imposes severe penalties on those found guilty of cybercrimes, including hacking into electronic accounts, using computers to obtain sensitive data related to national security, and creating websites promoting immorality.
• Protects the right to privacy by penalizing individuals who violate others’ privacy without their consent.

Controversy and Criticism

• Critics argue that the bill’s language is ambiguous and could be used to suppress freedom of expression.
• International human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have expressed concerns over the bill’s provisions, which they claim may limit free speech.
  • “The government should prioritize protecting freedom of expression rather than using this legislation to silence critics,” said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch.
• The Iraqi Observatory for Press Freedoms has also criticized the bill, saying it “may be used to intimidate and harass journalists and activists.”

Support for the Bill

• Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to protect Iraq’s national security and prevent cyberattacks on financial institutions.
  • Hassan Al-Kaabi, First Deputy Speaker of the parliament, said the legislation would “ensure the safety and privacy of Iraqi citizens in the digital age.”
• Experts warn that the bill’s passage could have far-reaching consequences for Iraq’s already fragile press freedom landscape.

Conclusion

The implications of this bill are serious, and it is crucial that lawmakers strike a balance between combating cybercrime and protecting fundamental human rights. The government must respond to the criticism and ensure that the legislation does not infringe on freedom of expression.