The College of Law at the University of Baghdad discussed a dissertation entitled “The Legal Regulation of Smart Public Utilities: A Comparative Study,” submitted by Amir Imad Nouri, a doctoral student in the Public Law Branch. The discussion was held on Monday, August 31, 2026, in the Conference Hall at the College.
The discussion committee consisted of:
Prof. Dr. Rasha Mohammed Jaafar — Chairman
Prof. Dr. Ali Mohammed Redha — Member
Assist. Prof. Dr. Taghreed Mohammed Qadouri — Member
Assist. Prof. Dr. Ammar Fawzi Kadhim — Member
Assist. Prof. Dr. Suhad Faisal Shihan — Member
Prof. Dr. Waleed Marza Hamza — Member
The dissertation aimed to clarify the concept of smart public utilities and identify the characteristics that distinguish them from traditional public utilities. It also sought to establish a legal definition that clearly sets out their constituent elements, examine the legislative basis for smart public utilities in comparative legal systems, and analyze the relevant legal frameworks.
The dissertation comprised three chapters. The first chapter addressed the nature and distinctive features of smart public utilities. The second examined the legal basis governing smart public utilities. The third focused on applications of smart public utilities in Iraq and comparative countries.
The dissertation concluded with several recommendations, the most important of which were:
Recommending that the Iraqi legislature enact a robust and modern law specifically regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the work of public administration.
Establishing an advanced cybersecurity protection system within public administration to protect smart public utilities on the one hand, and safeguard citizens’ data and privacy on the other, against cyberattacks and cybercrimes targeting such systems.
Raising and strengthening digital legal awareness among individuals and employees of administrative institutions that benefit from the services provided by smart public utilities.
