Niger’s military government plans to enforce new regulations on social media, requiring licenses for groups with over 50 members on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. Minister Sidi Mohamed Raliou identified the need for oversight due to the misuse of these platforms for profit and misinformation, particularly following recent political instability. The government aims to collaborate with other countries to manage social media effectively while preserving freedom of expression.
Niger’s military government is set to implement new regulations governing social media, particularly targeting platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. Under the proposed guidelines, any social media group with 50 or more members will be required to obtain a government license to function legally. This decision aims to curb the misuse of social networks for profit and harmful activities, according to Minister of Communication, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, who announced the measures in a national television interview.
Raliou highlighted that platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook have evolved beyond private communication, stating that large groups used for business, political, or activist purposes should fall under the same regulatory framework as public associations. In his view, these platforms have become both potential revenue generators for some individuals and tools for subversion against governmental authority.
As reported by DataReportal, Niger had 4.69 million internet users and approximately 611.1 thousand social media users by 2024, with an internet penetration rate of 16.9%. In early 2024, the country saw around 16.46 million active cellular mobile connections, reflecting a growing trend in smartphone usage and a fast-spreading flow of information. Despite these advancements, the prevalence of social media has also led to increased misinformation, particularly following the 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Misinformation and disinformation have gained momentum in Niger, especially after the political upheaval in 2023. The country has emerged as a significant center for false news in the Sahel region, where rumors and misleading content circulate rapidly across social media platforms. Many of these misleading claims have been debunked amid the ongoing challenges faced by West African leaders in responding to the crisis.
In light of these challenges, Raliou emphasized the government’s intention to collaborate with other nations that have enacted similar social media regulations. He assured that the forthcoming measures are designed with the public’s best interests in mind, prioritizing harm prevention without infringing on freedom of expression. “These platforms have become a lucrative business for some and a subversive tool against regimes for others,” he noted, insisting on the necessity of regulation to mitigate these issues.
The introduction of new social media regulations in Niger reflects the government’s effort to address growing concerns regarding misinformation and its potential dangers. By requiring licenses for larger groups on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, the government aims to establish oversight that can help mitigate the risks posed by false information while attempting to balance the preservation of free speech. The government plans to implement these measures in cooperation with other nations, signaling a broader strategy to combat digital misinformation.
Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com
