Iraq has specific advertising regulations aimed at protecting consumers and upholding public morals. Here are the key points:
General Regulations:
Advertisements in Iraq are regulated under the Iraqi Consumer Protection Law and other relevant legislation, such as those related to media and telecommunications. The key objective is to ensure that advertisements are not misleading and do not violate public morals.
Content Restrictions:
Advertisements must not prejudice the divine self, angels, the Holy Qur’an, prophets, or any religious texts and figures. This includes avoiding ridicule or any form of disrespectful expression as per Law No. 31 of 1970 amending some provisions of the Penal Code (Law No. 16 of 1960) .
It's prohibited to incite the overthrow of the country's system of government, change the regime by force, or advocate the use of force to alter the country’s social and economic order.
Media-Specific Regulations:
Different rules apply to various media types—radio, television, electronic media, and public advertising. Each type of media must comply with the general framework but may have additional specific requirements and licensing processes.
Censorship and Approval:
Certain contents are subject to censorship and must not insult the judiciary or public officials, violate public morals, incite public disorder, or disclose confidential information without permission .
Enforcement:
Violations of advertising regulations can lead to penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges, depending on the severity of the infraction.
