Iraq has expanded its internet restrictions, blocking access to several major international websites, including the Internet Archive and 4chan, according to multiple sources across the country, bne IntelliNews learned.

Users in Baghdad, Basra and other major cities reported that popular platforms such as SoundCloud and discussion forum 4chan had become inaccessible without virtual private networks (VPNs) following the announcement by the government on blocking the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).

"Even basic computing tasks have become challenging", said Mohammed Ali, a Baghdad-based software developer who reported difficulties completing Windows installations due to blocked access to Microsoft account services.

The Ministry of Communications has not publicly addressed the restrictions, which appear to be implemented inconsistently across different internet service providers and devices.

Some websites remain accessible via desktop computers whilst being blocked on mobile devices.

Social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, remain unaffected by the restrictions, prompting criticism from local technology experts.

"These educational and archival resources are being blocked whilst platforms often criticised for inappropriate content remain accessible", said a Baghdad-based IT consultant who requested anonymity.

The measures have forced many Iraqis to rely on VPN services to access blocked content despite concerns about reduced connection speeds.

"The internet infrastructure is already struggling. Adding VPN usage makes it substantially worse", said Ahmed Hassan, a telecommunications engineer in Basra, wrote on Reddit on November 29.

Some users have found alternative solutions, including modified DNS settings, though these workarounds may not remain effective as restrictions evolve, according to local IT specialists.

Iraq’s Al-Sudani-led administration has increasingly acted stringently on grasping power in recent months, with lockdowns enforced for the census over the past week, stricter monitoring of its several regions and previous moves to switch the country’s internet off during school exam periods.

Iraq's move follows similar measures implemented by other countries in the region seeking greater control over internet access, though the selection of blocked platforms has puzzled many observers.

Despite reaching 78.7% internet penetration with approximately 36.22mn users as of January 2024, Iraq continues to struggle with infrastructure challenges.

Also, internet costs remain among the region's highest, with average monthly fixed-line broadband packages costing $36.14 despite relatively slow speeds. The situation is particularly acute in rural areas, where some regions still rely on 2G technology.