Baghdad rights center warns of rising 'digital drugs' targeting children and youth

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Baghdad-based Strategic Center for Human Rights has warned that content online referred to as "digital drugs" is spreading rapidly, particularly through audio files and electronic frequencies designed to alter mood or states of consciousness. The center said such material is easily accessible via smartphones and social media platforms, putting children, adolescents and young people at greater risk of exposure. The center cautioned that scientific evidence equating this content with traditional narcotics remains limited and that any assessment should be grounded in established research. It cited findings from the Global Drug Survey 2021, which covered 30,896 people across 22 countries. According to the survey, 5.3% of respondents said they used dual-frequency audio tones to alter their state of consciousness, 72.2% used the tones for relaxation or sleep, 34.7% for mood alteration and 11.7% reported seeking effects similar to those of other drugs. The center listed sleep, mood and attention disorders, social isolation and excessive use of devices and headphones among the main potential risks, and noted that digital platforms could also be used to promote traditional narcotics. It called on Iraq's health, interior, communications and education ministries to develop a national strategy, conduct scientific screening to measure prevalence and regulate digital content. The center did not announce further steps, and no immediate response from the ministries was reported.