As has become ritual, the Iraqi government ordered the Internet to be suspended nationwide this morning, 20 May 2025, before the first national school exam of the year.
Cloudflare Radar and IODA recorded drops in Internet traffic from 3:00 UTC (6:00 local time) to 5:00 UTC (8:00 local time).
The shutdown event follows an announcement by Iraq’s Ministry of Communication on 19 May 2025 that the Internet will be suspended nationally during the upcoming exam period, per the Ministry of Education’s request. The shutdown will occur every exam day from 6:00 to 8:00, an hour before exams start.
The news comes almost exactly two years after the Iraqi Ministry of Communication refused a request from the Ministry of Education to shut down the Internet during the baccalaureate examinations as part of efforts to prevent cheating. That decision was challenged by the Ministry of Education, which obtained approval from the Council of Ministers to shut down the Internet during the baccalaureate exam period and other exams. Since this time, Iraq has experienced more than 100 exam-related Internet shutdowns (see interactive).
According to the Pulse NetLoss calculator, every 24 hours that the Internet is shut down in Iraq results in around USD 4.2 million losses in Gross Domestic Product and around 45 job losses. This also hinders international business trust in the Iraqi telecommunication infrastructure.
Internet shutdowns during exams are a disproportionate and ineffective measure to prevent cheating. By restricting access to the Internet, governments not only disrupt essential services but also create a culture of fear and uncertainty. The negative impact of these shutdowns extends far beyond the exam period, normalizing the idea that Internet access is a privilege that can be revoked at any time.
The Internet Society is working closely with Access Now, SMEX, and the broader #KeepItOn community to draw attention to this activity and call upon authorities in several countries, including Iraq, to reconsider during this year’s exam periods. By joining forces and raising our voices, we can collectively challenge the normalization of Internet shutdowns and pave the way for a future where everyone can enjoy the benefits of an open and accessible Internet without fear of disruption.
Learn more and join the effort to demand that authorities guarantee open access to the Internet at all times. #NoExamShutdown!
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay