Latest news with #Al-Yasiri
Iraqi News
3 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
The Minister of Communications: International companies are interested in the Iraqi digital corridor project
Baghdad-INA Minister of Communications Hiyam Al-Yasiri confirmed on Friday that major international companies are paying great attention to the Iraqi Digital Corridor project. Al-Yasiri told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Work on the digital transformation file is being carried out in an integrated manner between the Ministry of Communications and the Communications and Media Commission, under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who heads the Supreme Committee for Digital Transformation in Iraq." She added, "The government has made digital transformation a priority, and the Prime Minister has adopted it as a fundamental criterion for evaluating the performance of all ministries." She indicated that "the ministries have worked hard to enhance the transition to digital services." She noted that "digital transformation contributes to maximizing revenues and is an effective tool in combating corruption by eliminating paper transactions." She explained that "major global companies such as Meta and Google are now paying close attention to the Iraqi Digital Corridor project." She continued, "This interest is the fruit of the government's recent successes, which have made Iraq a focus of attention for major global companies in this field."
Shafaq News
08-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
A new digital gateway: Iraq launches first unified telecom transit route
Shafaq News/ Iraq has signed a strategic transit agreement with DIL Technology, a Kurdish-licensed firm, to enable seamless data flow across its territory. The deal, finalized on Thursday by the Ministry of Communications, marks the first time Iraq presents a unified telecom front to international companies. It streamlines the process of transmitting data through the country, eliminating the need for companies to negotiate separately with federal and Kurdish entities. Hayam Al-Yasiri, the Minister of Communications, said the agreement boosts Iraq's potential as a secure and efficient alternative to unstable maritime routes, especially amid rising concerns from global telecom providers over regional disruptions. The newly integrated corridor stretches from the southern port of Al-Faw to the northern border at Ibrahim Khalil border crossing, forming a continuous fiber-optic network under centralized oversight. The agreement, according to Al-Yasiri, not only enhances Iraq's appeal to international partners but also supports long-term revenue generation and digital sovereignty. DIL Technology, which maintains infrastructure across Iraq's border crossings, will serve as the technical facilitator under the federal ministry's authority.
Shafaq News
12-04-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Al-Jamima border crossing deal: Iraq, Saudi resolve dispute
Shafaq News/ Iraq and Saudi Arabia have finalized an agreement to establish Al-Jamima border crossing in Al-Muthanna province, resolving a jurisdictional dispute that previously involved Najaf, a senior Iraqi official revealed on Saturday. 'A ministerial committee affirmed Al-Muthanna's administrative control over the site,' Al-Muthanna's First Deputy Governor, Moayed Al-Yasiri, told Shafaq News Agency, adding that the Iraqi Council of Ministers recommended initiating talks with Riyadh to explore opening a separate crossing in Najaf. 'Both governments have endorsed Al-Jamima project,' he confirmed, adding that Saudi Arabia has already initiated preliminary work on its side of the border near Rafha. Regarding project funding, Al-Yasiri disclosed that Iraq allocated 200 billion dinars for the project in the 2025 federal budget, though only half has been released due to financial constraints, clarifying, 'The disbursed amount was used to expand the Samawah–Jamima road, construct bridges, and implement related infrastructure upgrades.' The official also specified that a 500-dunum plot has been designated for the facility, stating that the Ministry of Planning approved the project's design following a technical review by the Ministry of Municipalities, which completed initial groundwork within 30 days. 'The site is fully prepared for the foundation stone to be laid,' Al-Yasiri affirmed, indicating that Iraqi authorities are awaiting final approval from Saudi counterparts to convene a joint meeting and initiate the next phase. Iraq currently operates 22 official land and sea border crossings, in addition to several international airports.
Shafaq News
07-04-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq's TikTok debate: digital growth vs. cultural norms
Shafaq News/ As TikTok, one of the world's most popular social media platforms, continues to dominate the Iraqi digital landscape with about 35 million users, the Ministry of Communications has pushed for a ban, citing concerns over its 'inappropriate' content. Yet, Parliament stands in opposition, warning that such a move would stifle youth expression and hinder economic opportunities. Can a compromise be found to balance digital freedom with the protection of societal values? Social Media In Iraq: TikTok Tops The List Social media use in Iraq surged in 2024, with 34.3 million users—73.8% of the population, according to a 2025 report by the Digital Media Center (DMC). This marks an increase from 31.95 million users in 2023, based on data from global digital analytics firms We Are Social and Meltwater. The DMC attributed the growth to changing online behavior and the growing influence of digital platforms. TikTok led the way, adding 2.35 million users over the past year. 'TikTok's reach now surpasses that of all other platforms,' the report noted, highlighting its popularity among younger audiences and influencers. Facebook grew from 19.3 to 20.1 million users, while Instagram climbed from 18.25 to 19 million. Snapchat rose to 18.5 million, up from 17.74 million, and X (formerly Twitter) reached 2.65 million, adding 100,000 users. LinkedIn saw notable growth, increasing from 1.9 to 2.3 million, reflecting growing interest in professional networking. Conversely, YouTube declined from 22.8 to 22.3 million users, and Facebook Messenger dropped from 15.7 to 15 million. TikTok Doesn't Suit Iraq Iraq's Communications Minister, Hiam Al-Yasiri, has urged Parliament to block TikTok, in response to 'thousands of appeals from Iraqi families' calling for its shutdown. 'This app features content that is not appropriate for our people and families,' Al-Yasiri stated. 'We hope Parliament will make a decision, and we will follow through.' This call for a ban is not new. Back in March 2024, Al-Yasiri revealed to our agency that her ministry had formally petitioned the Cabinet to block the app, condemning TikTok for its role in 'tearing apart Iraq's social fabric.' She further criticized the platform, claiming it offers 'no educational or scientific benefit' and is simply 'an entertainment tool.' Shortly after, Iraq's Federal Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on blocking online platforms that spread harmful or immoral content. This includes those that promote 'debauchery, prostitution, and sexual deviance,' or insult religious symbols and sacred texts. The ruling specifically targets platforms that undermine public morals. In a follow-up move, the Central Bank of Iraq instructed a halt to financial transactions with TikTok agents operating in the country, based on a directive from the Ministry of Communications. Personal Motives Behind the Ban? In Iraq, calls to ban TikTok have sparked heated debates. Economic expert Mustafa Faraj argued that 'TikTok has become a main platform for entrepreneurs, especially small traders and creatives. It is used to sell local products, market services, and build personal brands. Banning it would close sales and marketing channels for thousands of young people working in the digital economy.' 'The ban is no minor decision—it affects a young generation trying to build a new economy through their phones without burdening the state with employment demands. Shutting down this avenue is a serious economic loss at a time when the world is searching for new sources of growth,' Faraj told Shafaq News Agency. For many, the platform is a lifeline. One content creator, who shares reviews and advice on cosmetics, voiced her concerns about the ongoing threat of a ban. 'TikTok is a source of income for many who have built a large following and use it to sell cosmetics and other products online,' she told Shafaq News, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'They receive and fulfill orders from their followers while offering advice and support.' Her frustration was clear. 'Periodic threats to ban the app worry many people, as it would impact sales and limit communication with followers.' Reflecting on the underlying motivations, she suggested that 'the push to ban TikTok is wrong, and the real motive behind it is unclear. Anything can be used rightly or wrongly—the issue lies with the user, not the tool. So, the Minister's talk might be an early election campaign or something personal—we don't know.' Enforcing a US Agenda? The Parliamentary Communications Committee, responding to a request from Shafaq News Agency, voiced concerns over the potential consequences of al-Yasiri's push. TikTok, according to Committee member Haitham Al-Zarkani, is far more than just a social media platform. 'It's a vital source of income for countless young Iraqis, offering a space for information sharing, business promotion, and even political engagement,' he noted. The Minister's proposal to block the app, he argued, overlooks its significant role in the economy and public discourse. Al-Zarkani also highlighted the geopolitical implications of Al-Yasiri's stance. 'TikTok stands as the only major platform not affiliated with the United States,' he explained. 'By targeting it, the Minister's actions seem to contradict Iraq's stance against American monopolies.' He further suggested that her call to restrict the app might inadvertently align with US interests. 'After all, it was Trump who banned TikTok in the US,' he said, urging the Minister to be mindful of the broader context. The Committee, he clarified, would be the body to handle any such request. 'Should the Minister's request come to us, it will be discussed internally and rejected without being brought to the floor of Parliament.' Meanwhile, MP Jawad Al-Yasari emphasized that Iraq must remain aligned with global advancements in media. 'While keeping pace with the communication revolution is vital, it must not come at the expense of social customs or Islamic teachings,' he stated, stressing the importance of safeguarding citizens' freedoms while navigating the digital age. Al-Yasari also called for a thorough evaluation of any potential TikTok ban, urging specialized committees to assess the platform's benefits and drawbacks before a final decision is made. A Human Rights Perspective "Freedom of opinion and expression are fundamental rights," Fadhel Al-Gharawi, head of Iraq's Strategic Center for Human Rights, remarked, emphasizing their universal importance across all laws, constitutions, and international treaties. These rights, he stressed, should be guaranteed to all people, as they are foundational to human dignity. However, Al-Gharawi cautioned that such freedoms should not be unchecked or infringe on societal norms. Social media, designed to serve and benefit people, can sometimes veer away from this mission. 'While platforms like TikTok have great potential, in Iraq, they have started to cross the lines of what is acceptable," he noted to our agency. Rather than resorting to an outright ban, Al-Gharawi advocates for a more balanced approach. He suggested that TikTok, like other platforms, should be regulated to ensure content aligns with public taste and moral standards. He considered a total ban on the app as not the right solution, and that the government must create a safe and secure environment for people to exercise their rights, ensuring the platform remains accessible while adhering to societal values.
Iraqi News
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
MOC: A request to ban TikTok awaits Parliament's decision
Minister of Communications - MOC, Hiyam Al-Yasiri, confirmed on Saturday that banning TikTok is subject to a parliamentary decision. "Among our top priorities for 2025 is completing the national 5G mobile phone license, deploying fiber optic cables as well as connecting them to the largest number of users to improve internet service and eliminate Wi-Fi," said Minister Al-Yasiri to the Iraqi News Agency - INA. Al-Yasiri noted, "Work is ongoing to activate transit and fiber optic cable projects that have attracted major international countries and companies to the Iraqi corridor." "Previously, we submitted an official request to ban the TikTok application, following thousands of appeals from most Iraqi families to stop and ban the application, as it contains many contents that are inappropriate for our people and families," she pointed out. The Minister explained, saying: "We are not the only ones who make the decisions, as we submitted a request, but we did not receive any response. We hope that the Iraqi parliament will issue a decision on this matter, and we will execute it."
