Location: Baghdad, Iraq
Event: Scheduled Network Disruptions
Dear Users,
We have been officially informed by Earthlink, one of the leading internet service providers in Baghdad, that the Iraqi government will be implementing planned international network blackouts over the next few weeks.
In a move to enhance the integrity of national examinations, the Iraqi Ministry of Education has mandated the suspension of international internet connectivity during designated exam hours. The objective is to prevent unauthorized sharing or distribution of exam content among students.
As a result, all international connections through the Baghdad data center will be inaccessible between 11:00 and 13:00 (UTC+8) on specific dates listed below. This initiative aligns with similar measures taken in recent years by governments in the region to combat digital exam fraud.
During the specified hours, international web traffic originating from or routed through Baghdad will be suspended. Users may face connectivity issues with online platforms, VPN services, cloud applications, and other international services. Local intranet and domestic access, however, may remain unaffected.
We recommend planning ahead to mitigate disruptions, especially for businesses and users who rely on real-time international connectivity. Consider adjusting operational hours or using offline alternatives during these windows.
Iraq is not alone in applying such measures. Similar internet restrictions during exam periods have been reported in Algeria, India, and Syria. These approaches, although controversial, are often justified by authorities as essential tools to protect the fairness of educational assessments in the digital era.
According to a 2024 report by Access Now, over 40 shutdowns were linked to exam periods globally, indicating a rising trend in educational cybersecurity efforts by national governments.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates should the schedule change or if any additional information becomes available. Please ensure your systems and teams are informed of these dates to minimize operational impact.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.