Citing ‘national security,’ Iraq blocks Telegram app in move slammed by pro-Iran groups

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government says it’s suspending the popular Telegram messaging application across the country on “national security” grounds, drawing criticism on channels close to pro-Iran factions.

The service was effectively blocked by midday, with new messages not loading for users in Baghdad. The application is still accessible to users connected using a VPN.

Iraq’s ministry of communications justifies the decision, citing “directives from higher authorities related to national security.”

The ministry also says the suspension is necessary to “protect the personal data of citizens, which is violated by the application.”

The government saus Telegram “did not respond” to its repeated requests to address the issue of “data leakage from state institutions and individuals, which poses a threat to national security and social peace.”

Telegram is very popular in Iraq, and is notably used as a propaganda platform for groups associated with armed factions and pro-Iran political parties.

One such channel criticizes Iraq’s decision to suspend Telegram, saying that it amounted to “gagging” them.

The channel, which has over 330,000 subscribers, also accuses the Iraqi government, backed by pro-Iran parties, of “confiscating freedoms.”