Iraq Struggles to Combat Identity Theft and Financial Crimes in Cybercrime-Ridden Country
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Baghdad, Iraq - As Iraq’s internet sector remains unregulated, the country has become a hotbed for cybercrime, with identity theft and financial fraud being some of the most common types. According to a report by the Iraqi Ministry of Planning, social media platforms such as Facebook are often used to commit these crimes.
The Lack of Specific Legislation on Cybercrime
The lack of specific legislation on cybercrime in Iraq means that the judiciary must apply general laws, such as the Civil Code and Penal Code, to cases involving e-crimes. This has led to inconsistent application and enforcement of the law.
Types of Cybercrime in Iraq
- Identity theft
- Internet fraud
- Child pornography
- Cyber-stalking
- Cyber-blackmail
- Copyright infringement
- Satellite piracy
- Cyberterrorism
The Challenges Faced by Iraqi Authorities
Iraqi authorities are working to combat these crimes, but the lack of effective legislation and enforcement remains a major challenge. The country’s constitution guarantees a “right to personal privacy,” but this right is not defined in legislation, leaving individuals vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Current Efforts to Combat Cybercrime
- The judiciary has been relying on general laws to punish e-criminals.
- Those convicted of identity theft, internet fraud, and other relevant acts can face detention under Article 456 of the Penal Code.
- Cyberterrorists may be penalized under the Anti-Terrorism Law No. 13 of 2005.
The Need for Specific Legislation on Cybercrime
Despite these efforts, more needs to be done to protect Iraq’s citizens from cybercrime. Experts are calling for the government to enact specific legislation on cybercrime to provide judicial consistency and facilitate enforcement.
Expert Opinion
“We urge the Iraqi legislature to adopt articles specifically relating to cybercrime,” said Haydar Jawad, a lawyer at Al Tamimi & Company. “This will help to provide clarity and consistency in the application of laws related to e-crimes.”
The lack of specific legislation on cybercrime in Iraq has created a power vacuum that criminals have exploited, making it essential for the government to take immediate action to protect its citizens from these types of crimes.