In a significant move, the Iraqi Ministry of Communications has announced the lifting of the ban on the Telegram messaging application, effective this Sunday. The decision comes following the Prime Minister's directives and the cooperative efforts of the application's owning company in collaboration with Iraqi security agencies to address concerns related to citizens' data leaks.

The Communications Ministry conveyed its decision through an official statement, underscoring the company's willingness to engage with Iraqi authorities via established channels. This cooperative approach between the company and the government is aimed at ensuring the safeguarding of user data and complying with Iraq's laws and security protocols.

This decision marks a turnaround from the situation just last week when the Communications Ministry had imposed a ban on the Telegram application citing national security concerns and following instructions from higher authorities. The ministry had expressed concerns about the mishandling of users' personal data by the platform.

The Ministry of Communications has clarified that its actions are motivated by the need to protect citizens' personal data and to prevent data leaks from state institutions. Governmental bodies had previously reached out to the company operating Telegram, urging them to take measures to prevent data leaks from state institutions and citizens' private information.

Telegram holds immense popularity in Iraq, serving as a key communication tool as well as a source of news and content sharing. However, some channels within the app have been found to contain substantial amounts of personal data, including details such as names, addresses, and family connections of Iraqi citizens.

Emphasizing its commitment to both freedom of expression and communication rights for citizens, the Ministry of Communications has stated that these rights must be upheld without compromising the state's security or the integrity of governmental institutions.

This move to lift the ban on Telegram signifies not only a resumption of the app's widespread use but also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between technology companies and government agencies in ensuring the responsible use of digital platforms while upholding citizens' rights and national security.