Unused Phone Numbers Resold in Iraq Expose Users to Privacy Risks

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi mobile phone companies have resumed a practice of seizing and reselling unused phone numbers, exposing thousands of subscribers to privacy breaches and unauthorized access to their personal accounts. The issue came to public attention after a Baghdad University student, Rawan Hasan, said her number was reassigned to another user who then shared her private photographs and messages with her former partner on social media. Users across Iraq report that individuals who purchase reassigned numbers can access existing accounts on platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook, potentially exposing bank transactions and personal data to strangers. The Media and Communication Commission acknowledged the problem in a statement. Spokesperson Haider Allaq said the 2020 policy allowing companies to reclaim numbers inactive for one year was revoked after generating serious complaints. Allaq said an agreement was subsequently reached permitting companies to seize only numbers without registered accounts. The practice highlights ongoing tensions between telecom operators seeking to recycle number resources and subscribers facing security risks when their contact information is transferred to new owners without their knowledge.