Latest news with #HiyamAl-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."


Iraq Business
11-05-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
Iraq to Present Strategic Communications Projects
By John Lee. The Ministry of Communications and the Iraqi Economic Council discussed preparations for the Iraq Investment Forum , scheduled for early June in Baghdad. Minister Hiyam Al-Yasiri highlighted strategic projects for investment, including submarine and transit [fiber optic] cable systems and data centres, aimed at enhancing Iraq's digital infrastructure and regional connectivity. Ibrahim Al-Baghdadi Al-Masoudi, Head of the Iraqi Economic Council, praised the Ministry's support and noted that the forum would present over 130 investment opportunities across various economic sectors. (Source: NIC)


Iraqi News
19-04-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Communications Minister discusses transit projects and digital transformation with her Omani counterpart
Baghdad -INA Minister of Communications, Hiyam Al-Yasiri, discussed Today, Saturday, investment in the communications and information technology sector, digital transformation, and automation with Omani Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Said bin Hamoud Al-Maawali. A statement from the Ministry of Communications, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that "Minister of Communications, Hiyam Al-Yasiri, received the Omani Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Said bin Hamoud Al-Maawali, and his accompanying delegation, in the capital, Baghdad." The statement indicated that "the meeting discussed prospects for joint cooperation, particularly in the areas of investment in the communications and information technology sector, and the exchange of technical expertise, in line with rapid global developments and contributing to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries." It continued: "The two sides also discussed a number of issues of common interest, including transit projects, digital transformation, and automation, to enhance the efficiency of communications infrastructure and serve common interests." The statement added, "This meeting comes within the context of a strategic vision pursued by the Iraqi Ministry of Communications to expand areas of regional cooperation and provide advanced communications and technology services, reflecting the depth of the historical relations between the two brotherly peoples."


Iraqi News
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq considers TikTok ban again
Baghdad ( – Iraq's Minister of Communications, Hiyam Al-Yasiri, has reignited debate over a potential ban on TikTok, a platform immensely popular within the country, boasting 34.3 million users according to the Digital Media Center (DMC). The app serves as a preferred online destination for a wide segment of Iraqis, especially youth and numerous influencers and content creators. Minister Al-Yasiri attributes the renewed push for banning Iraq's most-used social media app to 'thousands of appeals from Iraqi families' requesting its removal due to content deemed inappropriate and inconsistent with the values of 'our people and our families.' This stance mirrors her previous call for a ban in March 2024, when she argued TikTok contributed to the 'disintegration of the Iraqi social fabric' and lacked educational merit. The Ministry now hopes for, and would implement, a ban mandated by the Iraqi Parliament. However, the proposed ban faces pushback. Fadel Al-Gharawi, head of the Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq, emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right internationally, while acknowledging that it isn't absolute and shouldn't violate public morals. He noted that while social media has benefits, some TikTok usage in Iraq has deviated from public decency. Crucially, Al-Gharawi argued against a 'comprehensive ban,' advocating instead for platform regulation—similar to measures in other countries—to 'prune' problematic content without denying access. Al-Gharawi urged the government to foster a safe online environment rather than resorting to bans. Launched globally in 2016 and surpassing 4.5 billion downloads, TikTok's widespread use presents Iraqi authorities with the complex challenge of balancing societal and cultural concerns against principles of digital freedom and access for its millions of users. The app's future in Iraq remains uncertain amid these conflicting pressures.


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."