Niger Junta Mandates Registration for Social Media Groups to Curb…

The Niger Republic junta has mandated that all WhatsApp and Facebook groups with at least 50 members must register with the government. This move is seen as a constraint on free speech and is purportedly aimed at combating cyber threats. The government also highlights potential tax benefits related to e-commerce activities conducted through these social media platforms.

In Niger Republic, the ruling junta has implemented a requirement for registration of social media groups, specifically targeting WhatsApp and Facebook groups that comprise 50 or more members. This initiative is viewed as a restrictive measure on free speech by the government, which has asserted that it aims to manage content on these platforms. The Minister of Communication, Posts and Digital Economy, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, announced this directive on Monday, articulating that registration with a government agency is mandatory for the aforementioned groups to continue operating legally.

Mr. Raliou emphasized the increasing use of social media for what he described as a “cyber war” against the junta and pointed out the economic benefits these platforms provide. He noted that many users leverage Facebook and WhatsApp for e-commerce, facilitating the sale of products both locally and internationally. As such, the government asserts that registration will also serve tax purposes, integrating these groups into a formal economic framework.

The junta in Niger Republic has initiated a controversial requirement for WhatsApp and Facebook groups with 50 or more members to register with the government, positioning it as a measure against perceived cyber threats. This move has raised concerns regarding the restriction of free speech and the governance of social media usage within the country. The government claims this policy will also aid in the proper taxation of e-commerce activities emerged through these platforms.

Original Source: saharareporters.com