The story:  The Iraqi government has sparked controversy by considering a ban on the popular social media platform TikTok. This comes on the back of a previous decision to filter pornography websites in the country. Authorities in Baghdad charge that TikTok and other social media apps are used to disseminate immoral content and undermine Iraq’s social fabric. However, critics have charged that the proposed ban is part of a broader campaign to silence political speech. 

The coverage: Iraqi Minister of Communications Hayam Al-Yasiri on Mar. 26 petitioned the cabinet to block...