Morocco's New Social Media Law: HACA to Expand Authority Under Bensaid's Plan
With a stroke of legislative authority, the North African country intends to rein in platforms that have become powerful shapers of public opinion, cultural values, and social behavior.
This bold power play positions Morocco at the vanguard of regional efforts to assert national sovereignty over virtual spaces previously dominated by Silicon Valley corporations.
'The anarchic proliferation of social networks and their social impact clearly demonstrates the necessity of preparing a complete national legal framework capable of accompanying digital transformations, and protecting the values of societal cohesion,' declared Minister of Culture, Youth and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid.
He presented the plan before the Commission of Education, Culture and Communication at the Chamber of Representatives on Wednesday, stressing that the legislation would protect societal values 'without infringing on freedom of expression.'
The minister's department is currently developing what he described as a 'robust, coherent and complete' framework before submitting it to the legislative process.
The proposed regulations target platforms serving Moroccan audiences or generating revenue from the country's advertising market. Such companies will face new obligations, including mandatory appointment of legal representatives within Morocco.
Bensaid asserted this measure would overcome 'the legislative void that gives foreign digital platforms freedom to work without effective surveillance.' It would also provide 'a practical mechanism for activating censorship and sanctions in cases of violations or lack of cooperation with national authorities.'
According to a previous ministerial study, nearly 80% of information presented as exclusive on these platforms proves to be false, misleading, or manipulated. This statistic shows the urgency of intervention in a country where internet penetration has reached 91% among urban residents—a substantial jump from 76% in 2023.
Moroccans now spend daily hours online, with 43% of young Moroccans aged 18-29 devoting between three and five hours daily to social media platforms, according to a 2024 study by OpinionWay Maroc and Saga Communication.
HACA gains unprecedented powers in digital sphere
The cornerstone of Morocco's digital regulation strategy involves dramatically expanding the authority of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA). This institution will transition from a traditional media regulator to a powerful digital watchdog with expansive jurisdiction over the online space.
'We are working to extend HACA's competencies to allow it to regulate this domain according to a perspective combining freedom of expression, protection of the public, and digital justice,' Bensaid stated. The minister added that 'maximum priority' would be given to 'the state's role in protecting the public from negative effects of digital content.'
Among the key elements of this initiative, Bensaid pinpointed 'a precise definition' of 'digital platform' services or online content-sharing platforms (social networks), as well as subjecting providers to 'clearly articulated legal obligations' aimed at structuring the relationship between the state and digital actors.
The expanded powers will enable HACA to monitor platforms even without a physical presence in Morocco. The regulator can demand periodic reports on content moderation policies, complaint handling mechanisms, and statistics on removed content.
HACA will also gain authority to order content removal or restriction, particularly for material promoting violence, terrorism, racial or religious discrimination, or spreading misinformation.
'This is an essential step to overcome regulatory barriers regarding sovereignty and ensure that international digital actors are held accountable and controlled,' Bensaid told lawmakers.
This initiative will draw heavily on international experience, particularly the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into force in 2023. The minister called it 'one of the most advanced texts globally' for online services regulation.
The European framework imposes strict obligations regarding transparency, combating illegal content, and ensuring user safety, especially for minors.
Notably, this is not the first time Morocco has considered expanding HACA's authority to digital platforms. In 2019, then-Minister of Culture Mohamed Laâraj supported the idea of extending the regulator's powers to cover online content, advocating for its development within an appropriate legal framework.
However, that initiative never progressed beyond preliminary discussions and did not advance to the Secretariat General of the Government.
Platforms face strict content and financial obligations
Digital platforms will confront stringent new requirements under the proposed legislation. They must implement 'efficient content moderation systems' using algorithms that automatically detect problematic material.
These automated tools must identify and address content related to violence, hate speech, false information, and inappropriate material targeting minors.
'Digital platforms will be required to counter false information immediately,' Bensaid explained. This applies especially to content 'inciting violence, terrorism, racial or religious discrimination.'
Platforms must establish transparent reporting mechanisms for swift response to complaints. The minister noted this would promote 'preventive responsibility' by enabling platforms to 'intervene before situations escalate.'
For child protection, the legislation mandates age-appropriate content classification, parental control activation, and prohibition of advertising exploiting children's vulnerability. 'Platforms must take measures to protect young users from harmful or inappropriate content,' Bensaid said.
This includes 'categorization by age group, activation of parental control tools, banning advertisements that exploit minors' vulnerability or promote harmful products, and removing any content that could harm psychological or behavioral development.'
Financial transparency requirements form another crucial element of the framework. Platforms generating advertising revenue in Morocco must 'respect fiscal transparency, collaborate with financial authorities, and potentially submit to financial restrictions in case of violations,' according to the minister.
These companies will need to cooperate with the General Tax Administration, Bank Al-Maghrib, and the Exchange Office to ensure compliance with Moroccan financial regulations.
Growing government concern over digital 'anarchy'
The new legislation reflects mounting official anxiety about unregulated online content. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has repeatedly voiced concern about social media's impact on Morocco's institutions and society.
In December 2024, Ouahbi warned that social media, particularly Facebook, posed 'a serious threat to judicial independence.' He criticized individuals, including former judges turned lawyers, who publicly challenge court decisions on these platforms.
'We cannot allow chaos to continue. If necessary, we stop the caravan, discipline the dogs, and then resume our path,' Ouahbi stated, rejecting the trend of labeling officials as corrupt without evidence.
Earlier, in September 2024, Ouahbi announced plans to introduce strict penalties in the penal code for social media misconduct. 'We are going to put an end to what is happening on TikTok and YouTube, such as filming people's private lives without their permission,' he declared during a television interview.
'Human dignity and private life are sacred and inviolable,' the justice minister asserted, questioning individuals' right to photograph or film others without consent.
These concerns come at a time when Moroccans are consuming more media than ever before. According to Kantar's latest Africascope Maghreb 2024 study, urban Moroccans devote 5 hours and 46 minutes daily to media: 2 hours and 57 minutes watching television, 2 hours and 17 minutes online, and 32 minutes tuned to radio.
Social media dominates online activity, with Facebook leading at 84% daily usage, followed by WhatsApp at 70%, and Instagram at 60%.
The government's initiative represents Morocco's entry into the global movement toward digital sovereignty, joining countries worldwide seeking to assert control over their digital spaces.
If adopted, these regulations would fundamentally transform the relationship between Moroccan authorities, international tech giants, and the millions of Moroccans who increasingly live their lives online.
Many civil society organizations, however, have voiced alarm over the potential implications for digital freedoms, cautioning that the proposed framework may offer legal cover for expanding state censorship and surveillance.
The vague language around 'protecting social values' is seen by critics as a Trojan horse for censorship—a velvet glove concealing a fist—capable of weaponizing morality to stifle dissent and sweep away legitimate political expression under the guise of public interest.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
12 minutes ago
- Morocco World
The Great Argan Appropriation: How a French Multinational is Undermining Morocco's Heritage and Economy
In the sun-scorched hills of southern Morocco, generations of women have toiled with care and pride to extract a golden oil from the nut of the argan tree, a tradition that has nourished communities, empowered cooperatives, and safeguarded one of the world's rarest ecosystems. But today, that tradition stands on the edge of collapse. The reason lies in a silent and systematic takeover of the argan oil industry by a French multinational: Olvea Group. What began as an inspiring model of social entrepreneurship, where Moroccan women's cooperatives transformed ancestral knowledge into economic opportunity, has now become a cautionary tale of dispossession and corporate dominance. A Market Once Moroccan, Now Industrial Olvea, originally a fish oil company from Normandy, France, entered the Moroccan market in 2005 and swiftly expanded its argan operations under the brand Olvea Morocco. Today, it controls nearly 70% of argan oil exports, acting as both buyer and processor, leaving Moroccan producers and cooperatives clinging to the fringes of a sector they built. According to figures highlighted by Médias24 and field research by Reporterre, Moroccan cooperatives, once responsible for over 80% of exports, now represent less than 20% of output. Most have been relegated to subcontracted roles, cracking argan nuts for a pittance while Olvea reaps the profits of processing, branding, and international sales. Many women-led cooperatives are locked into contracts that oblige them to sell below cost. One such cooperative, led by Jamila Idbourrous, was compelled to operate at a loss for nearly a year due to binding agreements. Others have shut down altogether, unable to compete for raw argan fruits, which have become scarce and unaffordable due to climate change, forest degradation, and illegal harvesting networks. Fatima El Mehni, president of a cooperative in Ameskroud, notes with sorrow that they used to produce 3,000 liters a month and now are lucky to make 50. The once-bustling storage rooms of women's collectives now stand eerily empty, while Olvea's state-of-the-art industrial tanks operate at full scale in Agadir. Legal Blind Spots and Trademark Barriers The legal framework has also failed Morocco. Despite the country's long history of argan cultivation, there is still no internationally recognized Protected Geographical Indication for argan oil. A French pharmaceutical company, Pierre Fabre, registered the name 'Argane' as a trademark in 1983, effectively barring Moroccan producers from using their own heritage name in various markets. Although a French court acknowledged in 2013 that 'argan' refers to a generic tree endemic to Morocco, no exclusive rights were granted to Moroccan cooperatives. As a result, Moroccan producers still operate without any guarantee of intellectual property protection, despite the product being listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Climate Stress and Ecological Collapse The environmental situation is just as alarming. The argan ecosystem is under siege. Drought, overgrazing, and agricultural encroachment are shrinking forests and exhausting groundwater reserves. In this context of scarcity, industrial players with deep pockets such as Olvea are buying up raw argan in bulk, pushing local producers out of the market. The traditional 'agdal' system, a form of ecological resting period, has been violated, with illegal collectors raiding forests even during seasonal bans. Women have been harassed or threatened when trying to collect fruit, a resource they historically managed and protected. The power imbalance is clear and deeply unjust. A Pattern Repeated Across Africa Olvea's extractive logic is not limited to Morocco. Greenpeace Africa has exposed the company's role in the depletion of fish stocks in West Africa, where fish oils destined for European livestock and aquaculture feed are extracted at the expense of local communities' food security. In addition to argan oil, Olvea also produces Omega-3 oil extracted from sardines, widely used in food supplements and health products. According to a reliable source in Morocco, the company holds exclusive control over the production of refined fish oils, including Omega-3 derivatives. This operation is carried out through its subsidiary, Winterisation Atlantic, established in Agadir in 2005 as part of Olvea's fish oil activities. While Moroccan raw materials are used, the refined oil is neither sold to Moroccan organisations nor made available to local manufacturers, effectively shutting domestic actors out of the value chain. This has sparked concern among industry professionals, who view the situation as a clear restriction on access to a valuable national resource with both nutritional and economic potential. The same pattern now unfolds in Morocco. Just as Olvea has taken fish from African plates to produce feed for livestock and aquaculture industries in Europe, it is now taking ancestral knowledge and forest fruits from Moroccan women to supply the European beauty market. Reclaiming What Is Rightfully Moroccan This is not simply a business concern. It is a matter of economic justice, cultural sovereignty, and environmental responsibility. Moroccan authorities must act decisively. Securing international recognition for Moroccan argan oil, reforming the sector's governance, supporting value-added local processing, and enforcing environmental protections are no longer optional. They are essential if Morocco is to retain control over one of its most iconic and valuable resources. At the same time, global consumers, especially those who purchase argan oil under the assumption of fairness and sustainability, must ask difficult questions. Who benefits from this product? And who has been left behind? The story of argan oil should not become another example of Africa exporting raw materials while importing poverty. It should remain a celebration of Moroccan excellence, women empowerment, and ecological wisdom. But that can only happen if Morocco reclaims what belongs to it: its land, its knowledge, its communities, and its future. The argan tree grows on Moroccan soil, nurtured by Moroccan hands. Its story should be written by Moroccans, not erased by others. The Broader Struggle for Resource Sovereignty What is unfolding in the argan oil industry reflects a larger structural issue facing developing countries: the imbalance of power between multinational corporations and local economies. From cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire to fishmeal in Mauritania and shea butter in Burkina Faso, African natural resources are consistently extracted and commercialized abroad, often without fair value returning to the source communities. In this landscape, Olvea is not an isolated actor. It is emblematic of a broader system that commodifies heritage while sidelining the custodians of that heritage. This is not merely about argan oil. It is about the principle of who gets to benefit from Africa's natural wealth. The Moroccan case should be a wake-up call for the region to build stronger legal safeguards, reinvest in community-based enterprises, and actively resist the normalization of economic models that strip local populations of value while exporting narratives of ethical trade. Towards a New Vision of Economic Justice Morocco has the potential to pioneer a new model, one that aligns environmental protection, women's empowerment, and national economic development. This means putting cooperatives back at the center of the value chain. It means building a Moroccan-owned export infrastructure that does not rely on foreign intermediaries. It means educating consumers worldwide that true sustainability is not a certification stamped by a European body but a commitment to fair partnerships and shared prosperity. The international community must also bear responsibility. It is time for governments, consumers, and ethical certification bodies to stop rubber-stamping exploitative systems. A product should not be considered ethical if it silences the voices of the people who made it possible. Argan oil is not just a luxury product. It is the symbol of a culture, a history, a way of life. It must remain in Moroccan hands, not just in memory but in reality. In light of these concerning developments, it may be timely for the relevant Moroccan authorities to consider examining such monopolisation practices by foreign organizations. While economic openness is important, the strategic and cultural significance of argan oil makes it vital to ensure that access to this natural treasure remains fair, inclusive, and beneficial to local communities. Safeguarding the argan sector is not only an economic imperative but a cultural responsibility essential to preserving one of Morocco's most meaningful heritage assets.
Ya Biladi
12 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Mauritanian and Algerian armies meet in Tindouf after Polisario attacks on Es-Smara
A few days after the Polisario's rocket attacks on Es-Smara, a Mauritanian army delegation traveled to Tindouf to meet with Algerian military officials. Officially, the June 30 meeting aimed to «assess the security situation along the shared border during the first half of 2025», according to a statement from the Mauritanian army. Discussions also focused on measures to «strengthen coordination between border units, activate joint intelligence efforts to combat terrorism, smuggling, illegal immigration, and unauthorized gold prospecting, and ensure the security of Algerian companies working on the road project linking Tindouf to Zouerate», the statement added. The meeting came just three days after the Polisario launched projectiles on June 27 targeting civilian areas in Es-Smara, including a MINURSO site. As in previous incidents, Polisario fighters reportedly crossed into Mauritanian territory, specifically the Lebriga region bordering Tindouf, before firing missiles at Moroccan positions. Back in May, the Mauritanian government had already announced the closure of the Lebriga area, citing domestic security concerns. «This is a sovereign security policy aimed at controlling border crossings and securing national territory», stated Houssein Ould Meddou, Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, and government spokesperson. «This measure has no political significance and is not directed at any specific party. It is part of a consistent state policy to protect national sovereignty», he added. In recent weeks, the Lebriga region has seen rising tensions involving Mauritanian and Algerian troops, as well as Polisario militias. Mauritania is seeking a stronger commitment from Algeria to help secure the area.
Morocco World
15 hours ago
- Morocco World
Morocco Opens 13 New Social Centers to Help Vulnerable Communities
Rabat — King Mohammed VI has given the green light for 13 new social centers to start serving Morocco's most vulnerable populations immediately. The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity built these facilities across eight provinces to tackle pressing social needs. The centers are part of three major programs that address healthcare access, disability support, and youth training, with an investment exceeding MAD 300 million ($30 million). The initiatives mark a significant expansion of social services nationwide to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable population. New medical centers bridge healthcare gaps As part of the initiatives, the foundation opened a new proximity medical center in Sale with a MAD 85.5 million ($ 8.55 million) budget, bringing the total number of operating medical units to six, with plans for twelve centers across the country. In Al Aroui, residents now have access to a new dialysis center costing MAD 10 million ($ 1.11 million). The new facility complements the nearby Mohammed VI Hospital and improves care for kidney disease patients. Disability support network grows Beni Mellal welcomed a new regional branch of the National Mohammed VI Center for the Disabled. With a budget of MAD 30 million ($ 3 million), the facility expands the network to nine centers serving people with disabilities throughout the North African country. Addiction treatment centers expand The initiative gave birth to three new addiction treatment centers in the cities of Chefchaouen, Al Hoceima, and Beni Mellal. These facilities cost MAD 6.5 million ($ 723,898), MAD 6.5 million ($ 723,898), and MAD 4.5 million ($ 501,322) respectively, raising the number of addiction treatment centers to 18 across 15 cities in Morocco. Job training centers target youth employment Six vocational training centers launched to prepare young people from disadvantaged backgrounds for promising careers, with a particular focus on market-driven skills training across various sectors. Tit Mellil opens a metal welding training center with a MAD 94 million ($9.4 million) investment, while Souk Larbaa launches an agricultural trades center for MAD 34 million ($3.4 million. In Casablanca, Sidi Othman starts electrical and electronics training for MAD 32.5 million ($3.25 million), and Laouazis focuses on service sector jobs with MAD 25 million ($2.5 million). Meanwhile, two facilities, a tourism training center for MAD 15.2 million ($1.52 million) and a traditional crafts center for MAD 9.4 million ($1 million). Educational support for rural youth Izemmouren, a small community in Al Hoceima province, received its first socio-educational center, a MAD 3.5 million ($389,791) facility designed to help young people with schooling and career guidance. The new centers reflect Morocco's commitment to addressing social challenges through targeted interventions.
