Iraqi Government Blocks Access To Telegram Due To Security Issues

Telegram illustration (photo: Telegram)

JAKARTA - The Iraqi government blocks access to the Telegram messaging application because it is considered a national security issue.

In addition, the government also said blocking of the app used by Iraq as messaging and news sources was carried out to maintain the integrity of users' personal data.

Because, according to a Reuters report, several channels on Telegram also contain a large amount of personal data of its citizens, including names, home addresses, and other family ties.

The ministry said in a statement that it had asked the app to shut down its platform because it was considered leaking data on official state institutions and citizens' personalities.

"The platform leaked state official agency data and citizens' personal data, but the company did not respond and did not interact with this request," the Iraqi government said, which Reuters found.

"The Ministry of Communication affirms its respect for the rights of citizens to freedom of expression and communication, without reducing the security of the state and its institutions," the statement said.

On the other hand, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov recently announced that Telegram has surpassed 800 million monthly active users.

In a message sent via its Telegram channel at the end of last July, Durov also said, there are more than 2.5 million new users registering for Telegram every day.