Iraq PM discusses regulating digital and social media with media regulator

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zeydi met on Wednesday in Baghdad with Belig Miktal Abu Kallel, executive director of Iraq's Communications and Media Commission, to discuss regulating digital and social media platforms under Iraqi law. According to a written statement from the Prime Minister's Office, al-Zeydi said digital and social media platforms must be brought into line with Iraqi legislation, a step he said would help protect the country's social order and values. He also called for legal and technical measures to address problems arising from the rapid growth of the digital sphere. The prime minister underlined the importance of drawing on international experience in the field. Abu Kallel, for his part, briefed al-Zeydi on the commission's mandate and its work plan for the coming period, according to the statement. The Prime Minister's Office said the commission's role in regulating the media and communications sectors and improving their performance would be strengthened. No further details were immediately available on the specific measures under consideration.