Niger’s Military Government to Enforce New Social Media Regulations

Niger’s military government plans to introduce social media regulations requiring licensing for groups with over 50 members. The Minister of Communication stated these measures are designed to curb misinformation and harmful practices associated with social media. The government aims to collaborate internationally on this issue, while emphasizing that freedom of speech will be preserved amid these new regulations.

Niger’s military government is set to impose new regulations on social media usage. These proposed rules mandate that any social media group with 50 or more members obtain government licensing to continue operating. Sidi Mohamed Raliou, the Minister of Communication, stated that the objective is to address misuse of these platforms for harmful activities and profit.

In an interview on national television, Minister Raliou acknowledged that platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook are no longer merely channels for private communication. He argued that large group discussions intended for business, politics, or activism should be regulated as public associations to ensure accountability and oversight.

According to DataReportal, Niger has approximately 4.69 million internet users, with about 611.1 thousand individuals actively using social media. The data shows an internet penetration rate of 16.9%. As of early 2024, there were over 16 million active mobile connections, indicating a significant increase in information dissemination via smartphones. Raliou noted that the popularity of WhatsApp and Facebook has also led to the rise of misinformation, particularly after political changes in the country.

Niger has become a focal point for disinformation, especially since the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023. The spread of false information through social media has complicated the response of West African leaders to the regional crisis, resulting in significant public confusion over the truthfulness of circulating claims.

Minister Raliou emphasized that social media groups for business or political purposes must be deemed public entities warranting regulation. He expressed concerns about how these platforms can be misused for profit and as tools for subversion against the government. Concerns have arisen regarding the legality of financial gains derived from social media use, prompting the government’s intention to establish collaborative measures with countries that have instituted similar regulations.

Furthermore, Raliou reassured the public that while new regulations are necessary to combat misinformation and other online threats, freedom of expression would remain intact. He clarified that the government’s aim is to protect citizens from harm without infringing on their rights to voice dissent.

In conclusion, Niger’s military government is poised to regulate social media to combat misinformation and harmful activities. The proposed licensing requirement for groups exceeding 50 members is part of a broader strategy to impose oversight on social media usage. While the government assures that freedom of speech will not be curtailed, the emphasis on public safety in digital spaces is evident amid rising misinformation in the aftermath of political upheaval in the country.

Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com