The ISIS crisis in Iraq is seen as a military assault requiring a military response, and that is part of it. But the Iraqi government is also responding online.
Shane Harris reports for Foreign Policy that the Iraqi government has ordered restrictions and shutdowns by ISPs of social media sites, VPNs, and more. Baghdad is using a more nuanced approach than “shut it all down,” aware that such an approach would (further) alienate ordinary citizens. In governance, security, and the online battle for “hearts and minds,” governments are learning.
