‘Blatant disregard for rights’: concern grows over Gabon’s social media clampdown
Summary
Gabon’s government suspended major social media platforms in February during protests, citing security concerns and misinformation. Rights groups and activists say this move restricts freedom of expression, and new laws require social media users to provide verified personal information under threat of fines or jail.Key Facts
- Gabon banned major social media platforms indefinitely starting in February due to anti-government protests.
- Many people started using VPNs to bypass the ban, but authorities confiscated phones and detained users.
- Protests began in December over pay and living costs in education and health sectors.
- The government claimed reasons for the ban included misinformation, hate speech, and inappropriate content.
- A new law requires social media users to give verified names, addresses, and ID numbers.
- Social media companies face fines and prison penalties if they do not follow these rules.
- Opposition figures and activists have had their accounts suspended or faced arrests over old charges.
- Human rights groups say the measures violate freedom of expression and citizens’ rights to access information.
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