OSINT-for-countries/OSINT_in_Iraq

# OSINT in Iraq: Legal Information Search and Open Sources Iraq presents distinctive opportunities for OSINT practitioners who focus on open registries, official portals, and publicly accessible data sources within its evolving administrative landscape. Researchers can apply targeted search techniques to telecommunications records, government services, and local platforms while remaining within legal boundaries. This guide compiles essential resources for analysts, journalists, and investigators working on information collection related to Iraq.  Help make this guide better! If you notice an error, a broken link, or inaccurate information, please contact us at oosintt@proton.me To advertise in the guide, please contact us at oosintt@proton.me ## Table of contents ## Basic OSINT Profile of Iraq * ⬛ Official name * **Local**: جمهورية العراق (Jumhūriyyat al-ʿIrāq) * **Short**: العراق (al-ʿIrāq) / Iraq * **International**: Republic of Iraq / Iraq * ⬛ ISO codes * **ISO 3166-1 alpha-2**: IQ * **ISO 3166-1 alpha-3**: IRQ * **ISO 3166-1 numeric**: 368 * ⬛ Telephone code * **Country calling code**: +964 * ⬛ National currency * **Name**: Iraqi dinar * **ISO 4217 code**: IQD * **Symbol**: ع.د * **Minor unit**: fils (1/1000 dinar) * ⬛ Primary and secondary languages * **Primary official language**: Arabic (official nationwide); Kurdish (official in the Kurdistan Region) * **Secondary / minority languages**: Turkmen, Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, Armenian and other minority languages are spoken in specific communities. * ⬛ Time zones * **Time-zone span**: UTC+3 only (single national time zone) * **Main zone**: Arabia Standard Time (AST), UTC+3; daylight saving time is not currently observed. * ⬛ Date format * **Main official / everyday numeric**: DD/MM/YYYY * **Alternative (legal / technical / database)**: YYYY-MM-DD is the standard international and database-safe format. * **Textual form**: 17 March 2026 or equivalent Arabic phrasing in formal documents. * ⬛ Domain zones * **Primary**: .iq * **National**: None in widespread official use beyond .iq * **Government / state**: .gov.iq * **Educational**: .edu.iq * **Other commonly used second-level spaces**: .com.iq, .org.iq, .net.iq, .mil.iq Analysts benefit from these standardized details when cross-referencing results across multiple Iraqi platforms and official portals. The profile serves as a reliable starting point for any legal OSINT project focused on the country. ## Documents and Citizen Identifiers in Iraq This section examines the structure and formats of Iraqi passports, national ID cards, driving licences, tax numbers, social insurance identifiers, medical records, educational diplomas, and biometric data used in public systems. It covers number lengths, naming conventions, transliteration standards, and introduction years relevant to information search activities. Such details assist researchers in validating identities through open Iraqi sources without breaching legal limits. * ⬛ Passport — international travel document proving Iraqi citizenship and identity outside the country. * Current biometric passport (post-2015 series with chip): * **Passport number**: * Format: #******** (1 uppercase Latin letter + 8 digits; 9 characters total) * Example: A12345678 * Older non-biometric passport (pre-2015 series): * **Passport number**: * Format: #******* (1 uppercase Latin letter + 7 digits; 8 characters total) * Example: A1234567 * ⬛ ID card — primary domestic identity document for citizens (polycarbonate card with chip). * Current biometric national ID card (post-2016 issuance): * **National ID number**: * Format: ************ (12 digits) * Example: 123456789012 * Older national ID card (pre-2016 paper/plastic format): * **National ID number**: * Format: ********* (9 digits) * Example: 123456789 * ⬛ Driver's license — document confirming the right to drive motor vehicles. * Current card-based licence (post-2017 plastic format): * **Licence number**: * Format: ******** (8 digits) * Example: 12345678 * Older paper licence (pre-2017 series): * **Licence number**: * Format: ******* (7 digits) * Example: 1234567 * ⬛ Taxpayer Identification Number — used for tax administration (TIN). * Individuals (TIN): * **Format**: ********** (10 digits) * **Example**: 1234567890 * Legal entities (TIN): * **Format**: ********** (10 digits) * **Example**: 1234567890 * ⬛ Biometric Identifiers — captured and stored in document chips. * National ID card chip: * **Fingerprints**: stored as digital templates (binary data) * **Facial image**: stored and printed per ICAO standards * Passport chip: * **Biometric data**: contactless chip containing portrait and fingerprints (binary data) * ⬛ Military service booklet — document recording military service obligations and status. * Current format: * **Booklet number**: * Format: ******** (8 digits) * Example: 12345678 Understanding these document characteristics enhances the precision of OSINT checks conducted on Iraqi citizens or entities. The information supports lawful verification workflows across available registries. ## Telecommunications and Connectivity in Iraq This section outlines Iraqi telephone number formats, major mobile operators, virtual providers, eSIM availability, SIM registration requirements, and popular email services that appear in open data. These elements are critical for tracing connectivity patterns during legal information gathering on Iraq. Knowledge of local telecom practices helps analysts interpret metadata from public sources effectively. * ⬛ Mobile Number Format * **Number length (including country code)**: 13 digits * **National format**: 07\*\*-\*\*\*-\*\*\*\* * **International format**: +964-7\*\*-\*\*\*-\*\*\*\* * **Other features**: Country code +964 followed by a 10-digit national number beginning with 7; the first two digits after 7 indicate the mobile network code * ⬛ Major Mobile Operators * **Zain Iraq**: mobile GSM codes - 78, 79 * **Asiacell**: mobile GSM codes - 77 * **Korek Telecom**: mobile GSM codes - 75 * **Fastlink**: mobile GSM codes - 76 * ⬛ Virtual Operators (MVNOs) * No widely marketed, stand-alone national MVNO brands are clearly documented as operating with their own numbering resources; the market is primarily represented by the licensed mobile network operators listed above * ⬛ eSIM Availability * **eSIM support status**: Available from the major national operators (Zain Iraq, Asiacell, Korek) * **Activation format**: * QR code scan * Activation via operator mobile application or portal * ⬛ SIM Registration * **General rule**: SIM/eSIM is tied to an identified subscriber (ID-based registration), not anonymous retail issuance * **Local citizens**: National ID card or civil status identity document * **Foreign citizens**: Valid foreign passport combined with residency permit or visa documentation (exact combinations vary by operator and product) * ⬛ Popular Email Services * **Google (Gmail)**: @gmail.com * **Microsoft (Outlook / Hotmail)**: @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com * **Yahoo (Yahoo Mail)**: @yahoo.com * **Proton AG (Proton Mail)**: @proton.me, @protonmail.com The details enable more targeted searches within Iraq’s digital infrastructure while respecting applicable regulations. Overall, this overview strengthens connectivity-related OSINT efforts in the country. ## Social Media and Messaging Platforms in Iraq This section addresses the landscape of social networks and messaging applications commonly used across Iraq for open-source monitoring and research. It distinguishes between widely adopted international platforms and locally relevant services that generate public content. Analysts can leverage these insights to locate Iraqi user-generated material through lawful means. ### Social Networks in Iraq This subsection reviews mass-market, local, and niche professional social networks active in Iraq that host publicly visible profiles and discussions. It highlights platforms frequently referenced in open-source research on the country. Proper awareness of these networks aids analysts in locating relevant Iraqi content. #### Main Social Networks * ⬛ [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/) * **Description**: Social network with user profiles, pages, groups, events, and mixed-media posts. * **Popularity**: Very high; consistently ranks among the top platforms by traffic and user reach in Iraq. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: Medium–high — public pages, groups, and events are searchable; depth depends on privacy settings and group visibility. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2026); temporary restrictions reported during periods of civil unrest. * ⬛ [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/) * **Description**: Photo and short-form video social network with profiles, posts, Reels, stories, hashtags, and geotagging. * **Popularity**: Very high; strong adoption among younger users and for visual content. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: Medium–high — effective hashtag and location-based discovery on public accounts; limited by private profiles and ephemeral content. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2026); occasional temporary blocks during unrest. * ⬛ [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/) * **Description**: Video-sharing platform with channels, subscriptions, comments, and live streams. * **Popularity**: High; leading platform for long-form video consumption. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: High — strong keyword and channel search, comment trails, and publicly indexable content. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2026). * ⬛ [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/) * **Description**: Short-form video social platform with algorithmic feed, creator profiles, comments, and live streams. * **Popularity**: High and growing rapidly among younger demographics. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: Medium — public profiles and videos discoverable via usernames and hashtags, though recommendation-driven design limits consistent search results. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2026). * ⬛ [X](https://x.com/) * **Description**: Microblogging platform focused on real-time posts, trends, and public discourse. * **Popularity**: Medium; used for news, commentary, and public discussion. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: High — public posts and usernames enable straightforward keyword and account-based searches. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2026). #### Regional Social Networks No major regional social networks are widely used in Iraq. #### Major Specialized Social Networks * ⬛ [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/) * **Description**: Professional networking platform focused on careers, resumes, and business connections. * **Popularity**: Medium; used primarily by professionals, businesses, and job seekers. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: Medium — many profiles are public and structured, though full details often require login. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2026). Such knowledge contributes to comprehensive monitoring of public discourse within Iraq’s digital spaces. ### Messaging Apps in Iraq This subsection covers primary and locally popular messaging applications used in Iraq for both personal and group communications visible through open channels. It focuses on services that may yield publicly accessible information during research. Understanding these tools supports targeted OSINT collection on Iraqi networks. #### Main Messaging Apps * ⬛ [WhatsApp](https://www.whatsapp.com/) * **Description**: Mobile-first messaging and calling app built around phone-number identity. * **Popularity**: Very high; dominant messaging app across Iraq. * **Locality**: No — global platform. * **Ease of information discovery**: Low — communications are primarily private; limited public surface. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2026). * ⬛ [Telegram](https://telegram.org/) * **Description**: Cloud-based messaging platform with private chats, groups, and broadcast channels. * **Popularity**: High; widely used for channels, groups, and public content. * **Locality**: No — global platform with strong regional adoption. * **Ease of information discovery**: High — public channels, groups, and usernames provide substantial open-data surface. * **Restrictions**: Currently accessible (as of 2026). #### Regional Messaging Apps No major regional messaging apps are widely used in Iraq. The details help researchers navigate messaging ecosystems while staying within legal boundaries. ## Search Engines and Local Internet in Iraq This section presents the main search engines, alternative systems, map-based search tools, and thematic local portals that index Iraqi content. These resources form the backbone of effective open-source queries about Iraq. Familiarity with local search preferences improves discovery of relevant public records and discussions. ### Main Search Engines * ⬛ [Google](https://www.google.com/) * **Description**: The leading global search engine providing web, images, maps, news, video and AI-supported answers with strong Arabic-language support. * **Popularity**: Dominant across Iraq. * **Locality**: Global; primary search service used by Iraqi residents in Arabic, English and Kurdish. * **Ease of information discovery**: Very high – delivers relevant Arabic and English results for news, government sites, local media and open data; core tool for most OSINT tasks. * **Restrictions**: Fully accessible; no systematic government filtering of Google search results. * ⬛ [Bing](https://www.bing.com/) * **Description**: Microsoft’s web search engine with image, video and news integration plus links to MSN content. * **Popularity**: Low. * **Locality**: Global; not Iraq-specific. * **Ease of information discovery**: Moderate – adequate for general and Western sources but weaker coverage of Arabic-language Iraqi content. * **Restrictions**: Accessible; standard content policies apply with no Iraq-specific blocks. ### Alternative Search Engines * ⬛ [DuckDuckGo](https://duckduckgo.com/) * **Description**: Privacy-focused aggregator drawing from multiple indexes without user tracking. * **Popularity**: Very low. * **Locality**: Global; no Iraqi localization. * **Ease of information discovery**: Moderate – useful for unbiased general searches but limited depth on local Arabic sources. * **Restrictions**: Accessible; no personalization or local censorship. * ⬛ [Yahoo](https://search.yahoo.com/) * **Description**: Search portal with news and mail services, largely powered by Bing. * **Popularity**: Very low. * **Locality**: Global; not tailored to Iraq. * **Ease of information discovery**: Low – overlaps with Bing results and offers minimal local indexing. * **Restrictions**: Accessible; standard filters only. ### Map Search * ⬛ [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/) * **Description**: Street maps, satellite imagery, Street View, business listings and traffic data with Arabic interface support. * **Popularity**: Very high – primary mapping service used in Iraq. * **Locality**: Global; full coverage of Iraqi cities, roads and points of interest. * **Ease of information discovery**: Very high – essential for address verification, geolocation and organizational searches. * **Restrictions**: Accessible; user-generated content not subject to local government filtering. * ⬛ [OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/) * **Description**: Collaborative open map project with editable geographic data and routing tools. * **Popularity**: Moderate among technical users. * **Locality**: Global; community-maintained coverage of Iraq. * **Ease of information discovery**: High for structured geospatial data and custom map layers. * **Restrictions**: Fully accessible; no central censorship. ### Local-specific search * ⬛ Specific search and tools * [IQNIC WHOIS](https://www.ignic.iq/) – Official registry search for .iq domains and sub-zones; useful for domain ownership and attribution checks. * [Iraq Official Gazette](https://www.moj.gov.iq/) – Searchable archive of laws, decrees and official publications; essential for legal and regulatory verification. * [National Data Center – Open Data](https://www.data.gov.iq/) – Government portal aggregating public datasets including statistics and administrative records. * [Iraq Post](https://www.iraqpost.gov.iq/) – Official postal service directory for branches, postcodes and address lookup. Analysts gain practical advantages when combining global and Iraq-specific engines during information searches. The section reinforces methodical approaches to web-based OSINT in the country. ## Government and Semi-Official Online Services in Iraq This section surveys publicly accessible Iraqi portals for company checks, court decisions, property registries, driving licence verification, tax status, licence lists, election data, open data repositories, and other official services. These platforms supply verifiable information for lawful research on Iraq. Effective use of such services strengthens evidence-based analysis. * ⬛ Services for checking companies and entrepreneurs * **[Ministry of Trade – Companies Registration Directorate](https://www.mot.gov.iq/)** – Official registry of commercial companies and branches; allows verification of legal status, registration number and basic entity details by name or registration data. * **[Iraq Stock Exchange – Listed Companies](https://www.isx-iq.net/)** – Public information on listed companies including ownership structure, financial summaries and regulatory filings. * ⬛ Services for court decisions and trial results * **[Higher Judicial Council](https://www.hjc.iq/)** – Official portal of the Iraqi judiciary providing access to court directories, selected judgments and procedural information across courts of various instances. * ⬛ Real Estate and Cadastral registers * **[Ministry of Justice – Real Estate Registration Department](https://www.moj.gov.iq/)** – Official information on real-estate registration procedures and contact points for title verification; public online search remains limited. * ⬛ Services for checking driver’s licenses and driver’s licenses verification * **[Ministry of Interior – Traffic Directorate](https://www.moi.gov.iq/)** – Official channel for vehicle and driving licence status inquiries submitted through authorised service centres or formal requests. * ⬛ Services for checking tax status * **[General Commission for Taxes](https://www.tax.mof.gov.iq/)** – Official tax authority portal providing information on taxpayer registration status and tax obligations via formal enquiry channels. * ⬛ Public lists of licenses and certificates * **[Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control](https://www.cosqc.gov.iq/)** – Registry of standards, conformity certificates and accredited laboratories. * ⬛ Services for checking public officials, government data registers * **[Commission of Integrity](https://www.nazaha.iq/)** – Publishes asset declarations and conflict-of-interest reports for certain categories of public officials in accordance with Iraqi law. * ⬛ Portals of open data and datasets in various directions * **[Central Statistical Organization](https://cosit.gov.iq/)** – Official statistical agency publishing national datasets on economy, population, trade and social indicators. * **[Iraq Open Data Portal](https://data.gov.iq/)** – Government platform hosting machine-readable datasets across multiple sectors. * ⬛ Other key information verification services * **[Ministry of Interior – Wanted Persons Notices](https://www.moi.gov.iq/)** – Periodically published lists of individuals subject to judicial warrants (available via official channels and press releases). The overview assists investigators in identifying reliable government sources for cross-checking facts. It promotes responsible engagement with Iraq’s administrative transparency tools. ## Geography and Addressing System in Iraq This section explains Iraqi address formats, postal codes, administrative divisions, street naming conventions, and the use of Arabic script alongside Latin transliteration in public records. Accurate geographic context supports location-based OSINT tasks focused on Iraq. Understanding these systems reduces errors during data correlation. * ⬛ Format of addresses * **Key elements**: * Addressee’s name (for individuals: full name; for organizations: company name). * Street name (شارع) and building number (رقم or دار). * District or quarter (حي or محلة) name. * City or town name. * Governorate (محافظة) name. * Postal code. * **Examples**: * Example 1 - أحمد محمد علي، شارع الرشيد، رقم ١٢، حي الكرادة، بغداد، محافظة بغداد، ١٠٠٠١. * Example 2 - شركة النهرين، شارع السعدون، رقم ٤٥، حي المنصور، بغداد، محافظة بغداد، ١٠٠١٣. * ⬛ Postal codes * **Length**: Five digits - ***** * **Key elements**: * First digit indicates the governorate region. * Remaining digits specify the post office or delivery zone within the area. * **Examples**: * 10001 - central Baghdad. * 31001 - central Basra. * 56001 - central Erbil. * ⬛ Administrative division * **Level formats**: * Country → Governorate (محافظة) → District (قضاء) → Subdistrict (ناحية) → Settlement. * **Main levels**: * 18 governorates (e.g. محافظة بغداد, محافظة البصرة, محافظة أربيل). * Districts (قضاء) within each governorate. * Subdistricts (ناحية) and settlements. * ⬛ Street and district naming conventions * **Common street types**: * Type 1 - شارع (street, abbr. شارع). * Type 2 - طريق (road). * Type 3 - حي (district or quarter). * Type 4 - محلة (neighbourhood). * Type 5 - ساحة (square). * **Examples**: * Example 1 - شارع الرشيد، رقم ١٢. * Example 2 - حي الكرادة، دار ٢٥. * Example 3 - ساحة التحرير. * ⬛ Alphabet usage * Official addresses use Arabic script. * Domestic mail and registries are written in Arabic. * Latin script appears only in international mail (transliteration) or bilingual signs in Kurdish autonomous areas. The information enables more reliable mapping of entities and events within the country’s territorial structure. It serves as a practical reference for spatial analysis in legal research. ## Business and Economy of Iraq This section describes common forms of business ownership in Iraq, registration procedures, publicly disclosed company information, and availability of financial reports through open channels. These elements are valuable for corporate intelligence gathering on Iraqi entities. Knowledge of disclosure practices aids analysts in locating economic data legally. * ⬛ Forms of ownership and business * **Individual Enterprise (Mu’assasa Fardiyya)** – A sole proprietorship operated by one natural person with unlimited personal liability; the simplest form for small-scale commercial activity. * **Limited Liability Company (Sharika Mahduda al-Mas’uliyya, LLC)** – The most common corporate vehicle; formed by one or more founders whose liability is limited to their capital contributions. * **Joint Stock Company (Sharika Musahima)** – A share-capital company that may be public (listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange) or closed; shareholders’ liability is limited to the value of their shares. * **General Partnership (Sharika Tadhamuniyya)** – All partners bear unlimited joint liability for the firm’s obligations. * **Limited Partnership (Sharika Tawsiya Basita)** – Combines general partners with unlimited liability and limited partners whose risk is capped at their contribution. * **Branch or Representative Office** – A non-independent extension of a foreign legal entity; not a separate Iraqi company but must be registered to conduct activities. * **Non-profit organisations** – Associations, foundations and other entities established for social, cultural or charitable purposes without profit distribution to members. * ⬛ How business is registered * Commercial entities are registered with the Companies Registration Department of the Ministry of Trade (or the relevant provincial Companies Registrar). * A “one-stop shop” procedure exists in several governorates through the Provincial Investment Commission; documents may be submitted in person or, in limited cases, via authorised intermediaries. * Required documents for an LLC typically include the articles of association, founders’ passports or corporate documents, proof of legal address, and payment of the registration fee. * For an Individual Enterprise only an application form, valid ID and address proof are needed. * All entities receive a unified national company number upon approval; certain regulated sectors (banking, insurance, telecommunications) require additional licences from the Central Bank of Iraq or other sectoral regulators. * Economic activities are classified according to the Iraqi Standard Industrial Classification (based on ISIC). * ⬛ What is published publicly * The official Companies Register records the full legal name, registration number, legal form, date of incorporation, registered address and current status (active, suspended, liquidated). * Names of directors, managers and (within disclosure limits) shareholders or partners are listed. * The amount of authorised and paid-up capital and the principal objects of the company are publicly noted. * Changes to any registered data are recorded chronologically and can be viewed as an extract from the register. * Certain licences and official notices of liquidation or bankruptcy appear in the Iraqi Official Gazette (Al-Waqa’i’ al-Iraqiyya). * ⬛ Availability of financial reports * There is no central public repository for the financial statements of ordinary private companies. * Only entities listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange are required to publish audited annual and interim financial reports through the exchange’s disclosure platform. * Banks and insurance companies file audited statements with the Central Bank of Iraq; selected data may be released in aggregated supervisory reports. * Most other companies submit accounts solely to the tax authorities and the Companies Registrar; these filings remain non-public. The details facilitate structured searches into Iraq’s commercial landscape using official and semi-official sources. Overall, the section supports transparent economic OSINT work. ## Media and News in Iraq This section reviews major Iraqi media outlets, state publications, news archives, regional portals, publication languages, and mechanisms addressing censorship in the press. These sources provide rich material for open-source monitoring of current events in Iraq. Analysts can track narratives across different linguistic and regional channels. * ⬛ Key Media * [Iraqi News Agency (INA)](https://ina.iq/) – Official state news agency publishing domestic and international news in Arabic and English. * [Rudaw](https://www.rudaw.net/) – Leading Kurdish media network providing news and analysis from the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. * [Shafaq News](https://shafaq.com/) – Independent news portal covering political, security and economic developments across Iraq. * [Al-Sumaria](https://www.alsumaria.tv/) – Major private television and news website with nationwide coverage in Arabic. * [Al-Mada](https://almadapaper.net/) – Independent daily newspaper and online outlet focused on political and cultural reporting. * ⬛ Regional Portals * [Kurdistan24](https://www.kurdistan24.net/) – Regional news service based in Erbil covering the Kurdistan Region and northern Iraq. * [Basra News](https://www.basranews.com/) – Local portal reporting on events in Basra and southern governorates. * [Mosul Eye](https://mosuleye.org/) – Independent platform documenting developments in Nineveh and northern Iraq. * ⬛ News Archives * [Wayback Machine](https://archive.org/web) – Web archive preserving historical versions of Iraqi news websites. * [Iraqi National Library and Archives](https://www.iraqnla.org/) – Holds physical and digital collections of Iraqi newspapers and official publications. * ⬛ Publication Languages * **Main language**: Arabic – Dominant language in national and most regional media outlets. * **Other languages**: Kurdish (Sorani and Kurmanji) widely used in the Kurdistan Region; English employed by several outlets for international audiences (INA, Rudaw, Shafaq News). * ⬛ Censorship and Press Freedom * **Repression level**: Iraq ranks 167th out of 180 in RSF’s 2024 Press Freedom Index, indicating a difficult environment with frequent threats and legal pressures on journalists. * **Legislation**: Laws on defamation, “incitement” and social media content allow authorities to prosecute critical reporting; journalists often face arrests or harassment. * **Media environment**: Independent outlets operate with caution; many rely on self-censorship regarding security forces, militias and corruption. * **Internet controls**: Occasional blocking of websites and throttling during protests; VPN use is common but not always reliable. The overview helps researchers identify credible and diverse information streams for verification purposes. It contributes to balanced media analysis within Iraq-focused projects. ## Major Local Data Platforms in Iraq This section examines Iraqi marketplaces, review services, freelance platforms, job boards, and user-generated content sites that publish public listings and comments. These platforms often contain useful signals for OSINT inquiries about Iraq. Awareness of their structure supports efficient data harvesting within legal limits. The information assists analysts in locating sector-specific or regional insights from everyday Iraqi online activity. It enhances the breadth of available open sources. ## Archival Data in Iraq This section covers historical registries, website archives, and digitized government records available for Iraq. Such archival resources enable longitudinal research and verification of past information. Analysts benefit from understanding access points to older datasets through public means. * ⬛ Website archives * [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org) – Global web archive storing snapshots of Iraqi and other sites. * [Archive.today](https://archive.ph) – Web archiving service allowing on-demand snapshots of webpages. * [Library of Congress Government Web Archive](https://www.loc.gov/websites/) – Archived Iraqi government websites. * ⬛ Historical data registries * [FamilySearch](https://www.familysearch.org) – Historical and genealogy records relevant to Iraq. * ⬛ Government digital archives * [National Library and Archives of Iraq](https://nla.gov.iq) – Official portal with digitized historical documents and national collections. The overview supports thorough historical context building in OSINT investigations concerning Iraq. It underscores the value of preserved open data for long-term analysis. ## Cultural and Behavioral Characteristics of Iraq This section highlights observable cultural patterns and behavioral norms in Iraq that influence how individuals interact with public online spaces and share information. These traits affect the interpretation of data collected during OSINT activities. Sensitivity to local context improves the accuracy of analysis. * ⬛ Noticeable Behavioral Differences * **Indirect communication to preserve honor**: Individuals frequently use diplomatic phrasing and avoid direct confrontation on sensitive topics, particularly in formal or unfamiliar settings, to maintain social standing ([Source](https://commisceo-global.com/country-guides/iraq-guide/)). * **Strong hospitality rituals in interactions**: Social exchanges commonly begin with extended offers of tea, food, and personal rapport-building before substantive matters are discussed ([Source](https://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Iraq.html)). * **High deference to elders and authority figures**: Subordinates and younger individuals typically refrain from openly questioning decisions made by older relatives or officials in professional and family contexts ([Source](https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison-tool)). * **Preference for personal trust networks over institutional channels**: Information and assistance are often sought through established family or community connections rather than formal registries or public offices ([Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq)). * ⬛ Key Cultural Characteristics * **Collectivist family and tribal structures**: Extended family and tribal affiliations form the primary framework for identity, decision-making, and informal information exchange ([Source](https://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Iraq.html), [Source](https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison-tool)). * **High power distance in social hierarchies**: Clear respect for status and age shapes communication patterns and limits open expression across generational or professional lines ([Source](https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison-tool)). * **Bilingual and dialect-influenced information environment**: While Arabic is the official language, regional dialects and limited use of English or Kurdish in specific areas affect access to media and public records ([Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq)). * **Religious influence on public conduct**: Islamic norms, particularly within Shia and Sunni communities, guide modesty, gender interactions, and acceptable topics for open discussion ([Source](https://commisceo-global.com/country-guides/iraq-guide/)). Understanding these characteristics helps researchers avoid misreading signals from Iraqi sources. The section promotes culturally informed approaches to information search. ## Religious Characteristics of Iraq * ⬛ Religious characteristics * **Shia Muslim majority with significant Sunni minority**: Approximately 60–65% of Iraq’s population identifies as Shia Muslims and 32–37% as Sunni Muslims, making Iraq the only Arab country with a clear Shia majority; this demographic distribution directly influences regional political alignments and community mapping in open-source analysis ([Source](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iraq/), [Source](https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2012/12/18/global-religious-landscape-muslim/)). * **Official recognition of Islam in the constitution**: Article 2 of the 2005 Constitution designates Islam as the official religion of the state while guaranteeing freedom of religious belief and practice for all citizens, providing analysts with a legal baseline for assessing religious rights and restrictions ([Source](https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iraq_2005)). * **Presence of recognized religious minorities**: Christians (Chaldean, Assyrian, Syriac), Yazidis, Shabaks, and a small Mandaean community together comprise roughly 1–3% of the population; these groups maintain registered places of worship and are tracked in public demographic reports useful for minority-protection assessments ([Source](https://minorityrights.org/country/iraq/), [Source](https://www.uscirf.gov/countries/iraq)). * **State oversight of religious institutions**: The Sunni and Shia endowments (Diwan al-Waqf al-Sunni and Diwan al-Waqf al-Shi’i) operate as government agencies responsible for mosque administration, religious education, and clerical appointments, offering open registries for institutional mapping ([Source](https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/17812/iraq-religious-endowments), [Source](https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/05/iraq-religious-authorities-consolidate-power)). * **High public observance of major religious events**: Large-scale participation in Ashura processions and Arbaeen pilgrimage is widely documented through open media and satellite imagery, serving as reliable indicators for crowd-density and movement analysis during annual events ([Source](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/millions-mark-ashura-iraq-2023-07-28/), [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67000000)). The overview supports nuanced understanding of societal influences on open data in Iraq. It aids lawful research that respects local sensitivities. ## Limitations and Legal Framework in Iraq This section clarifies what constitutes personal data in Iraq, permissible areas for open-source research, prohibited activities, and potential liabilities associated with misuse. It provides essential boundaries for ethical OSINT practice focused on the country. Awareness of these rules protects researchers from legal exposure. * ⬛ What is considered personal data * **Constitution of the Republic of Iraq (2005), Article 17** – Protects the sanctity of the home, family privacy, and personal correspondence; serves as the primary constitutional basis for privacy protection. * **Personal data** – Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, including full name, date of birth, national ID number, address, telephone number, email, IP address, and employment records. * **Sensitive data** – Information concerning racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, health status, and criminal records, afforded heightened protection under general privacy principles. * **Biometric data** – Physiological or biological characteristics used for identification, such as facial images, fingerprints, or voice recordings, treated as personal data when linked to an individual. * ⬛ What is allowed to search * **Constitution of the Republic of Iraq (2005), Article 38** – Guarantees freedom of expression and access to information within legal limits, supporting the use of publicly available sources. * **Public government registries** – Official company registers, court decisions, land records, and licensing databases published by Iraqi ministries and agencies. * **Open data portals and official publications** – Statistical data, laws, regulations, and reports released by government authorities through public websites. * **Publicly available information** – Data voluntarily disclosed on websites, social media platforms, news outlets, and professional directories. * **Media and academic sources** – Journalistic publications, research papers, and analytical reports that rely on open information. * **Data accessed under platform terms** – Information obtained in compliance with the terms of service and licensing conditions of online platforms. * ⬛ What is prohibited to search * **Constitution of the Republic of Iraq (2005), Article 17** – Prohibits arbitrary interference with privacy, family, home, or correspondence. * **Iraqi Penal Code (1969), Articles 430–431** – Criminalizes the violation of private life through unauthorized collection or disclosure of personal information. * **Cybercrime-related provisions** – Unauthorized access to computer systems, interception of communications, or circumvention of security measures. * **Acquisition or use of leaked databases** – Obtaining, purchasing, distributing, or exploiting personal data from data breaches or unauthorized leaks. * **Special category data processing** – Collection or use of sensitive personal data without a clear legal basis or legitimate purpose. * **Social engineering or deception** – Gathering restricted information through misrepresentation, phishing, or other deceptive methods. * ⬛ Liability for abuse * **Iraqi Penal Code (1969), Articles 430–431** – Criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment for violations of personal privacy. * **Communications and Media Commission regulations** – Administrative fines and sanctions for unlawful processing or dissemination of personal information. * **Civil liability** – Possibility of claims for damages arising from unlawful interference with privacy or misuse of personal data. * **Platform and service restrictions** – Blocking or suspension of access to information resources that violate national privacy or cyber regulations. The information encourages responsible conduct when collecting and processing publicly available Iraqi data. It reinforces compliance as a core principle of information search work. ## Disclaimer and Legal Notice This material is provided for informational, educational, and research purposes only. All information referenced in this document is intended to be collected from publicly available open sources, official registers, public websites, media publications, open data portals, and other legally accessible resources. No personal data should be collected, stored, processed, shared, or published without a valid legal basis, consent, or another lawful justification. Any examples, methods, or references described in this material must be used only within legal and ethical boundaries. The authors and publishers of this document do not provide legal advice and do not accept responsibility for any misuse of the information, tools, links, or methods mentioned. Users act at their own risk and are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information. If any data source, link, or method mentioned in this document becomes restricted, outdated, inaccurate, or legally unavailable, it should not be used. Always verify information through official sources and respect privacy, security, and human rights. [Go back to the catalog of countries](https://github.com/OSINT-for-countries)