Iraq moves to require local offices for social media companies

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Media and Communications Commission has begun work to require social media companies to open official offices inside the country, a parliamentary committee member said. Muna al-Muhammadawi, a member of the Iraqi parliament's Transport, Communications and Governance Committee, told the official gazette that the government is leaning toward strengthening direct cooperation with social media firms and that the commission has opened talks with TikTok over opening a local office for the platform. Al-Muhammadawi said no formal agreement has yet been reached with other platforms, including Meta and X, on establishing permanent local branches. She added that local representation would depend on the outcome of ongoing negotiations. Committee member Sumayya al-Hilfi said local offices could allow Iraqi authorities to reach the platforms more quickly on issues such as illegal content, electronic blackmail, privacy violations and incitement to violence. She noted that communication with the companies currently runs through official channels and reporting mechanisms, and that any further steps would be shaped by talks between the Iraqi government and the companies. According to al-Hilfi, the process will seek to balance the protection of society with freedom of expression.