Shafaq News- Baghdad
Iraqi Authorities will begin by mid July dismantling illegalinternet distribution networks and prosecuting those responsible as part of anationwide crackdown on internet smuggling operations, Iraqi CommunicationsMinister Mustafa Sand vowed on Tuesday.
Sanad explained that more than 1.5 millioninternet subscribers in Iraq are not officially registered with the state anduse “illegal” subscriptions that generate no taxes or fees for the government.
“Some users receive internet services from smugglingnetworks without their knowledge, while others use shared or low-qualityconnections,” he said, referring to subscribers using the Starlink satelliteinternet system. “Dollars are going to Elon Musk without benefiting the state.”
What was mentioned is a final warning before strictermeasures are taken, the minister noted, adding that the ministry had takenhumanitarian considerations into account before enforcing the law, but thatthere would be “no mercy for major smugglers.”
Iraq has faced persistent problems with illegal internetbandwidth distribution networks across several provinces for years, resultingin financial losses for the state and regulatory challenges for thetelecommunications sector.
