The Iraqi government announced today, Sunday, the blocking of the "Telegram" application for reasons related to national security.

The Iraqi Ministry of Communications stated in a statement that the application's blockade was based on directives from higher authorities regarding constraints related to national security, and to protect the personal data of citizens, which this application has violated in handling, contrary to the law.

It added that relevant state institutions had repeatedly requested the company responsible for managing this application to cooperate in closing the platforms that cause the leakage of official state institution data and personal data of citizens, which poses a risk to Iraqi national security and community peace, but the company did not respond or engage with any of those requests.

It stated that it affirms its respect for the rights of citizens in freedom of expression and communication, without compromising the security of the state and its institutions, expressing its confidence in citizens' understanding of this measure.