🇮🇶 Iraq Without Piracy Summit 2025
What does this event really mean for the future of streaming in Iraq and MENA?
Hey streamers 👋
Earlier this month, I was in Baghdad for an event with a name that says it all: Iraq Without Piracy Summit.
What does this event mean for the future of streaming in Iraq? And how could it impact the MENA region?
Today’s program
The impact of piracy in Iraq
Iraq Without Piracy Summit: key takeaways from the event
How alternatives to piracy can drive sustainable growth
And… Action!
The impact of piracy in Iraq
Before telling you what happened at the Iraq Without Piracy Summit (IWPS), let’s take a moment to understand the state of piracy in Iraq today and how it’s affecting the media and entertainment industry.
Piracy is a big part of how people in Iraq watch content. From illegal streaming services provided by ISPs to ad-supported websites and social media, it spreads easily because it’s cheap and easy to access:
ISP-supported IPTV & OTT platforms
The biggest challenge comes from Iraqi internet service providers (ISPs) bundling illegal streaming platforms with their internet subscriptions. Services like Cinemana, MyTV+, and Vodu give users access to premium content from around the world at no additional cost to the user as part of their package, making piracy feel like a built-in feature rather than an illegal alternative.
Ad-supported piracy websites & Apps
Another form of piracy comes from websites and apps that make money through advertising. Platforms like Egybest, Arab Lions, Akoam, and Cima4up bombard users with pop-ups, autoplay videos, and full-screen ads, often leading to scam sites.
Piracy on Social Media & Messaging Apps
Social media is also a big source of piracy. YouTube can host illegal copies of movies and TV shows, making money from ads. Messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp are also used to share and promote illegal streams, making it harder to stop.
Here are some screenshots from illegal streaming services in Iraq and MENA: