Iraq shuts down the internet to stop pupils cheating in exams

The Iraqi government cuts off fixed-line and mobile broadband services to discourage children from smuggling mobile phones into state tests

Iraq has been turning off the internet across the country to stop children cheating in exams.

Three separate three-hour disruptions to Iraqi internet services, were spotted by content delivery network Akamai and internet performance analysts Dyn Research, which coincided with the country's school exam periods. The blockade, which affected fixed-line and mobile broadband, was mandated by the Iraqi ministry of communication.