Data Protection in Iraq: Limitations of Existing Laws Amid the Tech Wave

Abstract

As technology advances, data protection has become a critical concern, extending beyond privacy to encompass state sovereignty, security, and economic interests. By July 2024, over 120 countries had enacted data protection laws, highlighting the inadequacy of traditional provisions in the digital age. However, Iraq lacks comprehensive legislation in this area, relying instead on scattered provisions within the 2005 Constitution, the 1969 Penal Code, and other laws. The absence of binding universal rules has significantly exacerbated this issue. This article examines Iraq’s current privacy-related laws, identifies their shortcomings, and proposes legal reforms to address the evolving challenges posed by technology and data protection.