Iraqi PM orders review of IMDb and SoundCloud bans

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Sunday directed the Ministry of Communications to reconsider its decision to block the Internet Movie Database, a comprehensive online resource for film and television information, and SoundCloud, a global audio streaming platform that enables users to upload and share music. Al-Sudani emphasized the need for Cabinet approval before such measures are enacted.

In an official letter to the ministry, Al-Sudani instructed the ministry to “take the necessary steps to reassess the decision to block the two websites” and stressed that similar decisions should be presented to the Council of Ministers before implementation.

The Ministry of Communications had previously defended its move to block IMDb, a widely used movie information and rating platform, citing concerns over content it described as harmful to Iraqi social values and traditions. The ministry claimed that the website featured inappropriate content, including pornography and pages deemed morally objectionable.

IMDb does not actually host content it indexes data on, acting merely as a repository of knowledge on the TV and film industry. Data it compiles include cast and crew information, filmographies of actors and crew members, and technical details for content.

In a statement released on Nov. 23, Nabil Abdul Baqi, Director General of Salam Public Company under the Ministry of Communications, clarified the decision. “The blocking of IMDb was not arbitrary, as has been suggested. It followed a thorough review and monitoring of the site’s content, which was found to promote materials offensive to Iraqi societal fabric, traditions, and values,” Abdul Baqi said.

He added, “Our company is a government entity responsible for monitoring and blocking harmful websites. The decision to restrict access to IMDb was based on clear findings of inappropriate and unethical content.”

The Iraqi Ministry of Communications has implemented website blocks targeting platforms deemed to violate national publishing laws and societal values. In August 2023, the Ministry temporarily blocked the messaging platform Telegram, citing concerns over the dissemination of personal data and security issues. The ban was later lifted.

The Kurdistan Region operates its own internet infrastructure, managed by the Kurdistan Regional Government, implementing internet policies and restrictions independently from the federal Iraqi government.