Iraqi Minister of Communications Hayam Al-Yasiri has unveiled on Friday an international proposal aimed at regulating social media content and governing artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking to Iraqi state media, Al-Yasiri highlighted Iraq's active role in global conferences and the country's substantial progress in digital transformation.

She pointed out that Iraq boasts over 103% mobile subscription rates, three 4G licenses, and the potential for a 5G connection, along with millions of wireless and fiber optic subscribers.

Al-Yasiri stressed the importance of the International Telecommunication Union establishing binding standards for social media companies to ensure they respect the diverse cultures and religions of various nations.

She stated, “There is an international issue concerning content, and there is no coordination and cooperation from the owners of these unethical applications that affect the cultures and ethics of different peoples.” Al-Yasiri proposed that the ITU should take on the responsibility of setting such standards.

Regarding AI, Al-Yasiri highlighted both the potential and risks associated with the technology, and suggested that AI governance should be managed by the United Nations to ensure ethical standards are maintained globally.

“We stressed the need to consider developing countries and not leave them behind, as this is a dangerous issue,” she said.

She emphasized the necessity for general principles that protect human dignity and focus on AI ethics under UN supervision, with each country developing its own strategies for AI management. Al-Yasiri also mentioned that Iraq is drafting a law specifically for AI.

Furthermore, Al-Yasiri noted the government's achievements in enhancing telecommunications infrastructure.

Iraq, with its small maritime outlet via Basra and two activated commercial undersea cables, is on the verge of signing a contract for a third optical cable at the Faw station.

“The ministry's goal is to make Iraq an important international telecommunications hub comparable to the Suez Canal,” she explained.

The government is keen on making Iraq a key telecommunications route due to the short and easily maintained land path, which can connect regional and global networks through Iraq and Turkey.

She highlighted ongoing discussions with numerous countries and companies to achieve this objective and elevate Iraq's strategic position in the region.

In an effort to bring foreign AI experience into Iraq, Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Naim al-Aboudi launched an initiative for a bilateral academic cooperation program between Iraq and the United Kingdom at the Iraqi-British Universities Forum in London titled Iraq-UK Higher Education Dialogue.

Last week, al-Aboudi shared a video on the X platform from the UK in front of the University of the West of England Bristol’s robotics laboratory, discussing their visit to the largest Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory in Britain.  He emphasized that the main objective of the visit was to replicate this experience in Iraq.

Iraq has already established essential departments for AI in government universities, and there are dedicated colleges in private universities as well.