Telegram's prohibition in Iraq is lifted after the messaging service complied with authorities

After blocking the chat app due to security concerns, Iraq's telecom ministry lifted the ban on Telegram over the weekend.

According to a statement that was translated, the ministry said that the ban was lifted as a result of Telegram's "response of the company that owns the application to the requirements of the security authorities," which required Telegram to disclose sources leaking data of officials and civilians.

The ministry asserted that Telegram has demonstrated a willingness to inform authorities about security issues while maintaining that it "doesn't stand against freedom of expression."

According to Telegram, the firm prohibits users from uploading private information on the network without permission. The operator of the messaging app informed the publication that Telegram did not provide any sensitive user information to Iraqi authorities.

"We can attest that our moderators removed a number of channels that shared personal information. However, we can also confirm that Telegram was not asked for or supplied any sensitive user information," the company said in a statement to the outlet.

Iraq last Thursday outlawed the chat app, claiming that numerous channels were disseminating the private information of its citizens, including names, residences, and relationships to other family members. The ministry claimed that Telegram, which has more than 800 million users worldwide, ignored its pleas at the time, leading to the country's ban on the program.

Organizations from all around the world have criticized Iraq for its internet censorship. The nation has frequently blocked internet connection on several days over the past few months to stop exam cheating. The country's draft laws might give the government the authority to penalize anyone who criticizes the authorities, Amnesty International warned in July.

This development highlights the delicate balance between data protection and digital communication platforms. Even though Telegram is a well-liked method of communication and a reliable source of news in Iraq, the government's action was necessary due to worries over the unlawful sharing of personal information. The incident shows the continued importance of vigilance and collaboration to safeguard data privacy in the digital age, with the ban being lifted as a result of the company's compliance with security rules.