Eng. Diaa Algariri, communication and internet expert
Before 2003, internet use was limited to e-mail and simple internet services. There were few internet cafes operated by the Ministry of Communications and the General Company for International Network Services.
After 2003, there was rapid development and openness towards the spread of the internet in Iraq. Internet services covered most of Iraq using optical cable technology, 3G, wireless and fixed broadband.
Different companies distributed Internet to subscribers, as a subcontractor to the Iraqi Ministry of Communications, which owns the supplies of optical cable within the country and is responsible for determining the capacity.
The infrastructure is under the exclusive responsibility and ownership of the Ministry of Communications. The number of subscribers for internet services with licensed mobile companies is approximately 4.250.000, the number of online users that are subscribed with fixed broadband companies is estimated to be 250.000 and the subscribers with the State Company for Internet Services are 168.000 subscribers.
E-governance has been adopted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Communications. The government issued decree number 46 to apply electronic governance for all departments, ministries and institutions, in cooperation with the Communications and Media Commission.
However, the process in the past five years has been very slow, except some simple applications in some ministries, and the e-service that allows citizens to submit complains. Through the websites (ca.iq ، eqs.iq ), these complains are then presented to the relevant governmental bodies.
The first mobile company was “Iraqna”, then “Atheer” company joined the market. The two were merged at a later stage into “Zain Iraq”. About 12.5 Million Iraqis are subscribed to this network. 11 Million are subscribed to “Asia cell” mobile company, and 10 Million to “Korek” mobile company.
I use a lot Instagram, but many citizens use Facebook, for me Facebook spreads sectarianism, gossip, problems, disputes, while Instagram is a better website, more organized and not used by many.
Twitter, because on Twitter there are real people, not fake. It also allows you to have one account only, and if you create a fake account, twitter will discover that.
Facebook allows me to follow on the various issues in the world, as well as communicating with my friends through the messaging feature.
Facebook, even though its cons are more than it pros, and despite its promotion of sectarianism and abuse.
Instagram, because all my friends are not there.
Facebook, it allows me to communicate with others, especially in other countries.
Facebook, Instagram, and whatsapp, because my friends are there.
The most used site is Facebook, but it has disadvantages and advantages. It helps to rally for the public opinion. While the disadvantages, include the risk of exposing Twitter users, for example, to legal repercussions by politicians or by individuals, for cases of defamation and libel. Many of them face trials, or tribal prosecutions and some of them were even killed.
There are many legal cases that reached the courts, because of practices on Social Network Sites.
We hope that these sites employ technicians who will prevent sectarian sentiments on Social Networking Sites.
There are users of these websites that are undisciplined, sectarian, and young. These are the disadvantages of these websites.