BAGHDAD — BNT

Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission has opened its Draft Regulation of Digital Content in Iraq for public consultation, allowing media organizations, digital platforms, content creators, experts and members of the public to submit comments before a final version is adopted.

The Commission said the consultation was launched under the powers granted to it by Order No. 65 of 2004 and as part of its commitment to transparency and participation in the development of regulatory frameworks.

What is the purpose of the draft?

According to the official announcement, the draft aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital content made publicly available inside Iraq or directed at Iraqi audiences.

The Commission said the proposed framework seeks to balance freedom of expression and the circulation of information with legal and professional responsibility, the public interest and the protection of individual rights.

The proposal comes as social media platforms, news websites, blogs and digital applications play an increasingly important role in Iraq’s media, social and economic environment.

Who can participate?

The Commission invited media organizations, digital platforms, content creators, influencers, professional and academic organizations, civil society groups, specialists and other interested individuals to participate.

The consultation allows participants to review the draft and recommend amendments or alternative wording before its final form is adopted.

Participation by media, legal and technology professionals will be particularly important in assessing the draft’s potential effect on journalism, online publishing, platform management and user rights.

How can comments be submitted?

Comments and proposals may be submitted formally to the Communications and Media Commission or sent by email to:

[enquiries@cmc.iq]

Where possible, each submission should identify the relevant article, provide the proposed wording or amendment and explain the reasons supporting the recommendation.

What is the deadline?

The deadline for submissions is the end of the official working day on October 12, 2026.

The Commission said comments received after the deadline would not be considered as part of the public consultation.

Is the regulation already in force?

Opening the draft for public consultation does not mean that it is final or currently in force.

Its provisions may be amended or rewritten in response to feedback before a final version is issued and formally adopted.

Freedom of expression concerns

Press organizations have welcomed the decision to open the draft for consultation and allow media institutions and civil society organizations to participate in the process.

However, concerns have also been raised about the need for precise definitions, narrowly drafted provisions and safeguards preventing the regulation from restricting legitimate criticism, journalism or freedom of expression.

The Al-Nakhil Center for Press Rights and Freedoms said the draft contained positive references to freedom of expression, criticism and investigative journalism. It also expressed concern about broad terminology, overlapping provisions and concepts that could be interpreted differently during enforcement.

These observations highlight the importance of participation by journalists, legal specialists, technology experts and digital-rights organizations in developing a clear regulatory framework that protects individuals and promotes professional responsibility without undermining constitutional rights.

What could it mean for content creators?

Once reviewed and formally adopted, the regulation is expected to apply to digital content available inside Iraq or directed at Iraqi audiences, making it relevant to media organizations, websites, platforms, content creators and influencers.

However, the final obligations and procedures will depend on the text issued after the consultation. The current draft should therefore not be treated as a final set of enforceable rules.