Gabon’s media regulator late Tuesday blocked access to several social media networks and digital platforms nationwide indefinitely over the spread of hateful and false information.
This measure followed a wave of anti-government strikes that have paralyzed public services.
The High Authority for Communicatiion imposed the blockage, citing the recurrent dissemination of “defamatory and insulting” content, as well as the “propagation of false information” which could disturb national order, according to a report by Anadolu Agency.
The Authority stated that the circulation of hateful materials across social media undermines the stability of state institutions and national security.
Freedom of expression “cannot be exercised in flagrant violation of the national and international laws in force,” the statement read.
The actions observed are likely to “generate social conflicts, destabilize the institutions of the Republic, and seriously jeopardize national unity.” Expressing regret over what it described as a lack of genuine willingness to moderate illicit content, the regulatory body warned that this online conduct constitutes offenses severely punishable under national and international laws.
According to an AP report, Meta (the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram) and TikTok have been severely impacted since Wednesday.
