Gabon has announced the suspension of social media platforms, citing the “spread of false information”, “cyberbullying” and the “unauthorised disclosure of personal data”.
Gabon’s media regulator on Tuesday announced the suspension of social media platforms “until further notice”, blaming content posted online for stoking conflict and division in society.
The High Authority for Communication imposed “the immediate suspension of social media platforms in Gabon”, its spokesman Jean-Claude Mendome said in a televised statement.
He said “inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and insulting content” was undermining “human dignity, public morality, the honour of citizens, social cohesion, the stability of the Republic’s institutions, and national security”.
The communications body spokesman also cited the “spread of false information”, “cyberbullying” and “unauthorised disclosure of personal data” as reasons for the decision.
“These actions are likely, in the case of Gabon, to generate social conflict, destabilise the institutions of the Republic, and seriously jeopardise national unity, democratic progress, and achievements,” he added.
The regulator did not specify any social media platforms that would be included in the ban, but WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok are popular in the French-speaking Central African country.
Digital blackouts are frequently used in Gabon to control information.
The latest suspension comes as the Gabonese government faces growing protests over the high cost of living.
In December, school teachers began striking over pay and working conditions, with protests over similar grievances spreading to other public sectors, including health and education.
Brice Nguema, former Gabon junta leader, won the presidential election last April, two years after his coup ended more than five decades of Bongo family rule.
He pledged to reform Gabon, and allowed foreign and independent media to film the ballot count.
Is the suspension move to curb misinformation or control information? Share your views in the comment section.
