Iraq bans online games found to ‘incite violence’

By Amir al-Saadi

BAGHDAD (AA) - Iraq’s parliament on Wednesday unanimously voted to ban online games that have been found to “incite violence”.

Lawmakers have requested that the government ban two games in particular, known as “Pugby” and “Blue Whale”, along with any others found to incite players to commit acts of violence against themselves or others.

During Wednesday’s assembly session, Deputy Speaker Hassan Karim al-Kaabi called on relevant parliamentary committees -- along with Iraq’s Media and Communications Authority -- to study the effects of online games deemed to be “harmful”.

According to experts, “Pugby” incites players to commits acts of violence, even murder, while “Blue Whale” encourages players to commit acts of self-harm, even suicide.