Kurdistan Region to suspend internet and messaging during exam hours

ERBIL, Iraq — The Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Transport and Communications said internet, SMS and multimedia messaging services will be temporarily suspended on exam days. The ministry said in a written statement that the decision was made at the request of the Ministry of Education to protect the integrity of the exam process and serve the public interest. The blackout will run daily from 06:30 to 07:30, according to the statement. Officials said the measure is limited to the exam period and applies only during the designated window. The ministry said the suspension will cover the Kurdistan Region's sixth-grade exams. It did not specify how long the exam period will last or whether the measure will be repeated for other grade levels.