Digital constitutional rights

Authors

  • Lecturer Dr. Walaa Hussein Khazar University of Thi Qar / College of Computer Science and Mathematics Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64184/ajlps.V3.I3.Y2026.p.641-666.422

Keywords:

Constitutional engineering, transitional constitution, permanent constitution

Abstract

The tremendous development in information and communication technologies has led to the emergence of a new space for human existence, one not subject to traditional physical constraints—the digital or cyber space. Consequently, the exercise of public rights and freedoms has shifted from the physical realm to the virtual one, necessitating a re-evaluation of the adequacy of existing constitutional texts to protect individuals in this new environment. Human dignity is no longer solely protected by physical boundaries, but now depends on the protection of personal data, the confidentiality of communication, and freedom of expression across platforms. Freedom of opinion is no longer measured by the circulation of a newspaper or publication, but rather by the speed of digital dissemination and the breadth of interaction. Hence, the need arises for a constitutional approach that transcends a literal interpretation of the text, offering a dynamic reading of the constitution's general provisions that incorporates technological advancements without compromising its fundamental principles. Analysis has demonstrated that digital rights are not new rights independent of traditional rights, but rather an organic extension of them, necessitated by a change in medium, not a change in essence. The research concluded that the true guarantee of these rights is not achieved merely through general constitutional recognition, but rather rests on three interconnected pillars: clear legislation that defines the nature of digital rights and the limits of their restriction according to objective standards; a vigilant judiciary that exercises its oversight role as the faithful guardian of the constitution; and transparent procedures that enable individuals to defend their privacy and freedom in a boundless digital space. Thus, when interpreted in the spirit of the times, the constitution remains capable of serving as a protective shield for humanity, whether as a physical entity in the real world or as data within the internet.

References

References

First/ Legal Books:

1. Dr. Ihsan Hamid Al-Mufarji and others, General Theory of Constitutional Law and the Constitutional System in Iraq, 4th ed, Al-Atik Book Company, Cairo, n.d.

2. Dr. Amin Atef Saliba, The Role of Constitutional Judiciary in Establishing the Rule of Law, Modern Book Foundation, Tripoli, 2002.

3. Dr. Khader Khader, An Introduction to Public Freedoms and Human Rights, Modern Book Foundation Publications, Tripoli, 2004.

4. Raed Saleh Ahmed Qandil, Judicial Review of the Constitutionality of Laws, Dar Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya, Cairo, 2010.

5. Dr. Sami Jamal Al-Din, The Hierarchy of Legal Rules and Principles of Islamic Law, Dar Al-Jami'a Al-Jadeeda, Alexandria, 2013.

6. Dr. Saad Asfour, Basic Principles in Constitutional Law and Political Systems, Mansha'at Al-Ma'arif, Alexandria, 1980.

7. Dr. Abdul Aziz Salman, Constitutional Litigation, Vol. 2, Al-Ahram Publishing and Distribution House, Mansoura, 2022.

8. Muhammad Tahir, Digital Freedoms - Basic Concepts, 1st ed., Freedom of Opinion and Expression Foundation, Cairo, 2013.

9. Mahmoud Ibrahim Al-Ghazi, Criminal Protection of Privacy and E-Commerce, Al-Wafaa Legal Library, Alexandria, 2014.

10. Dr. Munther Al-Shawi, General Theory in Constitutional Law, 1st ed., Ward Jordanian Publishing and Distribution House, Amman, 2007.

11. Yousef Issa Al-Hashemi, Constitutional Review of Laws and Regulations and Their Application in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Arab and Foreign Countries, 1st ed., Modern University Office, Alexandria, 2015.

Second/ Journals:

1. Dr. 1. Sayed Ahmed Mahmoud, "Protection of Digital Personal Data According to the Provisions of Egyptian Law No. 151 of 2020 (Protection of Electronically Processed Personal Data): Between Reality and Aspiration," Journal of Legal and Economic Sciences, Issue 1, Volume 66, 2024.

2. Dr. Alia Zakaria, "Features of a Living Constitution and its Applications," Journal of Law for Legal and Economic Research, Issue 1, 2024.

3. Dr. Nabil Mohamed Khalil Al-Azzazi, "Digital Human Rights," Legal Journal, Faculty of Law, Cairo University, Volume 19, Issue 1, 2024.

4. Dr. Hani Mohamed Khalil Al-Azzazi, "Digital Human Rights in International Law," Journal of the Faculty of Sharia and Law, Dakahlia, Issue 31, Part 3, 2025. Third: Websites:

5. Dr. Zainab Abdul Kadhim Hassan, "The Criminal Liability of Public Employees for Publishing Crimes," an article published at the following link:

https://www.sjc.iq, accessed May 7, 2026.

6. Resolution issued by the United Nations Human Rights Council on June 1, 2016, available at the following link:

https://digitallibrary.un.org, accessed May 5, 2026.

7. Dr. Wissam Nimat Ibrahim Al-Saadi, "Digital Rights and the International Protection Mechanisms Established for Them within the Framework of International Human Rights Law," p. 353, a research paper available at the following link:

https://conferences.tiu.edu.iq, accessed May 5, 2026.

Fourth/ Legal Legislation:

A. Constitutions

1. Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany, 1949, as amended. 2. The 1988 Constitution of Brazil, as amended.

2. The 2005 Constitution of the Republic of Iraq.

B. Laws

1. Iraqi Consumer Protection Law No. (1) of 2010.

C. Regulations

1. Iraqi Electronic Commerce Regulation No. (4) of 2025.

Fifth/ Judicial Rulings:

First/ Rulings of the Constitutional Court:

1. Rulings of the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court

A. Iraqi Federal Supreme Court Decision No. 15/Federal/2006 dated 4/26/2007.

B. Iraqi Federal Supreme Court Decision No. 19/Federal/2006 dated 2/20/2007.

C. Iraqi Federal Supreme Court Decision No. 156 and its consolidation No. 160/Federal/2022 dated 9/26/2022.

D. Iraqi Federal Supreme Court Decision No. 325 and its consolidated No. 331/Federal/2023 dated March 13, 2024.

c. Federal Supreme Court Decision No. 219/Federal/2024 dated September 17, 2024.

2. Rulings of the Egyptian Supreme Constitutional Court

a. Ruling of the Egyptian Supreme Constitutional Court in Case No. 23 of 1995 (16th Judicial Year) dated March 18, 1995.

b. Ruling of the Egyptian Supreme Constitutional Court in Case No. 7 of 1997 (16th Judicial Year) dated February 1, 1997.

c. Ruling of the Egyptian Supreme Constitutional Court in Case No. 131 of 1919 (39th Judicial Year) dated April 6, 2019.

Second/ Rulings of the Ordinary Courts:

1. Ruling No. 158/T/2020 issued by the First Criminal Court of Duhok in its capacity as a court of cassation, dated January 4, 2020.

Third/ Rulings of the Administrative Courts:

2. Decision No. 5130/2019 issued by the Iraqi Civil Service Court on December 22, 2019.

Sixth/ Foreign Sources :

1. Burdeau. Droit Constituionnel et institions politques. 1962, P. 101. Laferrier, traitéde droit Constitutionnel. op.

2. Lucchi, Nicola. "Access to Network Services and Protection of Constitutional Rights: Recognizing the Essential Role of Internet Access for the Freedom of Expression." Cardozo Journal of International & Comparative Law 19, no. 3 (2011).

3. Mohammed Abdul Mohsen Mohammed bin Treef ,THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONTROL OF LAWS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Journal of Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Issaas ,Volume 24,Special Issue 6, 2021.

4. Müller, Juliane, Rights in the Digital Age,Stockholm,International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, 2025.

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Published

2026-09-01

How to Cite

Digital constitutional rights. (2026). Ashur Journal of Legal and Political Sciences Is Issued by the Iraqi Association of Legal Sciences, 3(3), 666-641. https://doi.org/10.64184/ajlps.V3.I3.Y2026.p.641-666.422

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