The Kurdistan Region Ministry of Transport and Communications, following a request from the Ministry of Education, has decided to suspend internet services, along with voice and multimedia messaging, during the Grade 12 general preparatory examinations.

Measure Introduced to Prevent Exam Cheating

In an official statement, the ministry said it approved the Ministry of Education’s request as part of efforts to reduce academic cheating and examination malpractice.

Suspension Schedule: Five Days, One Hour Per Day

According to the directive, the service suspension will apply for one hour only across five designated examination days.

Internet access will be suspended from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM on:

• June 24, 2026
• June 28, 2026
• July 1, 2026
• July 5, 2026
• July 8, 2026

Essential Sectors Exempt from the Suspension

Dilan Rashad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation, confirmed that several critical sectors will remain fully operational and will not be affected by the temporary internet blackout.

The exempted sectors include:

• My Account (Hazhmari Mn) centers
• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
• Banking institutions
• International airports
• The “Runaki” project data centers
• Smart electricity meter systems

Additional essential facilities will also maintain connectivity, and telecommunications companies will be notified in accordance with their operational jurisdictions.