Growing Concerns Over the Impact of Misinformation and Rumors on Social Stability in Iraq

Iraqi political and security circles have warned of the growing phenomenon of misinformation and rumors spreading across social media platforms. They emphasized that while these platforms are essential for communication and knowledge sharing, they are increasingly being exploited as fertile ground for creating chaos and negatively influencing public opinion and social peace. Security experts have called for the urgent enactment of strict laws to regulate cyberspace and curb the dissemination of fabricated news aimed at destabilizing society for narrow political and social gains. Experts stressed the country's urgent need for a legal framework that protects freedom of expression while imposing deterrent measures to hold accountable those who use fake accounts to harm the public interest and community security.