Iraqi Communications Minister Blocks All Adult Websites

Iraqi Communications Minister Blocks All Adult Websites

BAGHDAD — Last Friday, Iraq's Minister for Communications, Hiyam al-Yasiri, ordered all pornographic websites in the country blocked.

The state-run Iraqi News Agency confirmed the blanket ban, quoting a statement by the ministry. The news was also published by government-aligned newspaper al-Sabah.

According to al-Sabah, “a committee tasked by the minister has blocked 400 websites,” the English-language Middle Eastern news site The New Arab reported.

The Iraqi government has periodically floated sweeping censorship measures, since the chaotic period following the 2003 downfall of the authoritarian Saddam Hussein regime. A bill aimed at censoring adult content, The New Arab reported, “was passed in 2015 by the Iraqi parliament but never implemented. The transport and communications ministry of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) subsequently said it would not abide by the law.”

Adult websites regularly register millions of visits from Iraq-based IP addresses. Those visits are now being routed via free VPN apps, The New Arab confirmed.

Copycat Censorship in Kurdistan

In the northern Kurdish region, 26 Kurdish lawmakers reportedly have signed a petition asking the presidency of the parliament to take similar measures in Kurdistan.

"Psychological, sociological and psychiatric scientific research have all proved that watching porn has major damages to the social, psychological, and moral aspects of individuals, especially the youth," Omar Gulpi, a lawmaker from the Kurdistan Justice Group in the Kurdistan parliament, told The New Arab.

The Kurdistan government ordered all ISPs to install “family package” porn filters by default. However, The New Arab reports that “no action was taken, and family packages are still unavailable in all internet service companies in the country.”

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More