In a world where freedom of expression is cherished, Iraq’s burgeoning alliance with major tech giants, Meta and TikTok, raises alarms about potential threats to this vital right. As partners in the digital realm, these companies are intertwining their operations with government mandates in a dance that could tighten the grip on what citizens can express online. According to ARTICLE 19 - Defending freedom of expression and information. these developments call for a closer look at the implications.
Transparency Under Scrutiny
Transparency is a bedrock of trust — a concept under siege in Iraq’s current digital climate. The Iraqi Communication and Media Commission’s (CMC) collaboration with Meta has led to demands for restricting content, allegedly based on broad legal justifications. In October 2025, Meta restricted Facebook posts on judicial corruption, illustrating the strain between state authority and corporate compliance.
The Role of Platforms: Silent Bystanders or Active Participants?
Social media platforms, hailed as guardians of digital open dialogue, face criticism for bending to governmental pressure. TikTok’s 410 account removals in Iraq, largely at the government’s behest, underline the risks of technology companies becoming state enablers rather than champions of free speech.
Civil Society Voices Amplifying Concerns
Iraqi civil society organizations remain vigilant, raising voices against government overreach into digital spaces. In the midst of this tightening control, the former CMC head’s meetings with Meta to block ‘sensitive’ content spotlights the murky waters of what is considered permissible speech.
The Call for Responsible Practices
As digital platforms sit at the cusp of influence and complicity, the call for responsible practice intensifies. Both Meta and TikTok need to navigate their cooperation with the Iraqi government carefully. They must ensure adherence to international human rights laws to avoid becoming tools of oppression.
Towards a Future of Uncompromised Expression
To combat this threat, ARTICLE 19 and other defenders are urging Iraq and its digital allies to uphold rights enshrined in global conventions. By embracing transparency, conducting human rights assessments, and engaging with civil society, there’s hope to ensure that no voice is unnecessarily silenced by the shadows of governmental decree.
For the citizens of Iraq and the global onlookers, vigilance is key. Only by staying informed can we hope to preserve the sanctity of expression in an increasingly interconnected world.
