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Morocco Has Taken Bold Steps Against Illicit Trade of Cultural Goods
Morocco Has Taken Bold Steps Against Illicit Trade of Cultural Goods

Maroc

time2 days ago

  • Politics
  • Maroc

Morocco Has Taken Bold Steps Against Illicit Trade of Cultural Goods

Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has undertaken bold measures to combat the illicit trade of cultural goods, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid said on Monday in Rabat. Speaking at the opening of an international conference on 'the role of customs in the fight against the illicit trade of cultural goods', Bensaid said that Morocco is committed to cultural heritage and values cultural goods, pointing out that these goods 'are not mere artifacts or works of art, but are living testimonies of successive civilizations, a collective memory of Humanity and priceless treasures that reflect human creativity and civilizational interaction over centuries'. The minister also pointed out that international criminal networks exploit conflicts and crises, while taking advantage of legal and technological loopholes to smuggle these goods out of their countries of origin. 'We have strived to strengthen our legal and judicial framework, in line with the relevant international conventions, notably the 1970 UNESCO Convention', he said, noting that the ministry has also stepped up efforts in the fields of digitization and cultural property inventory, the first line of defense against theft and smuggling. He added that the new law had come into force with new and important provisions aimed at limiting all harmful practices that threaten cultural heritage. Held from June 30 to July 5 by ICESCO in collaboration with the Qatar General Customs Authority and the Qatar National Library, this international conference will feature several activities, including three meetings and a regional workshop during which two specialized training courses will be given: 'Essential skills for the protection of cultural property' and 'Tools and technologies used by customs for the protection of cultural property'. MAP: 30 June 2025

Marrakech to Host Nearly 200 Young Delegates for OIC Youth Capital Program
Marrakech to Host Nearly 200 Young Delegates for OIC Youth Capital Program

Maroc

time2 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Maroc

Marrakech to Host Nearly 200 Young Delegates for OIC Youth Capital Program

Nearly 200 young people from over 48 countries will participate in the 'Marrakech, Youth Capital of the Islamic World 2025' program, which runs from June 30 to December 5 under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI. The event, organized by Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication (Youth Department) in partnership with the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), was officially launched during a press conference, held Friday evening in Marrakech. Mohamed Ouziane, the Ministry's Director of Cooperation and Program Activities, said the selection of Marrakech reflects international recognition of Morocco's role as a cultural crossroads and its commitment to youth empowerment across the Islamic world. The program includes cultural, artistic, and sports activities, along with forums and training sessions addressing democracy, peace, and security, with a focus on youth innovation and resilience in the post-COVID era. The event will open with an International Youth Forum (June 30–July 3) themed 'Youth of the Islamic World: Post-COVID Challenges.' ICYF President Taha Ayhan said the designation of Marrakech, following a 2024 decision in Istanbul, underscores the city's cultural and civilizational stature, adding that the initiative aims to offer youth a dynamic platform for dialogue, academic exchange, and skills development. Forum Director General Rasul Omarov added that Marrakech will serve as a hub for intercultural dialogue, with the program designed to benefit youth from across the Islamic world, especially Moroccan youth. MAP: 28 June 2025

Inwi Strengthens Its Commitment to Moroccan Gaming at the 2025 Expo
Inwi Strengthens Its Commitment to Moroccan Gaming at the 2025 Expo

Morocco World

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • Morocco World

Inwi Strengthens Its Commitment to Moroccan Gaming at the 2025 Expo

Fez– At this year's Morocco Gaming Expo, Inwi has once again made it clear: gaming in Morocco is not a passing trend, but a fast-growing sector with real potential, and Inwi intends to help shape its future. As a leading force in Morocco's digital transformation, Inwi returned for the second edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo (MGE), affirming its long-term commitment to the national gaming ecosystem. More than just a presence at the event, Inwi came with an entire showcase of high-performance connectivity and hosting solutions, specifically designed to meet the demanding standards of gamers and developers. Gaming is no longer a niche hobby, it's an economic and creative engine. And Inwi seems to understand this better than most. By leveraging its technological know-how, the company has built infrastructure that supports both seasoned professionals and young talents, making high-level tools and platforms more accessible across the country. A highlight of Inwi's participation was the unveiling of the winners of the 'Innovative Mobile Game Ideas' competition. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the Ministry of Higher Education, this initiative targeted students from Moroccan universities and higher education institutions. Launched on May 19, 2025, the contest aimed to spark creative thinking and encourage entrepreneurial spirit among a new generation of Moroccan game developers. The three winning projects were announced during the expo, proof that talent is alive and well across the country, and that innovation is a skill that can be nurtured with the right support. The Morocco Gaming Expo itself has quickly become the country's flagship gaming event. After attracting over 41,000 visitors in its inaugural edition, this year's event solidified its reputation as a national hub for developers, publishers, content creators, investors, and institutions. It's not just a trade show, it's a meeting ground for ideas, ambitions, and strategies to shape the Moroccan gaming industry. Inwi's renewed involvement in the MGE sends a strong message. The company is not simply sponsoring the sector, it's investing in it. From enhancing infrastructure to nurturing creativity, Inwi is positioning gaming as a vehicle for economic growth, technological innovation, and digital inclusion. This is not about riding a wave of popularity; it's about building a sustainable and competitive ecosystem that can thrive beyond borders. Gaming in Morocco is becoming a career path, a platform for expression, and a field where young Moroccans can compete on a global stage. With Inwi's backing, the sector is no longer just growing; it's gaining structure, support, and long-term vision.

French Culture Minister Visits Moroccan Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival
French Culture Minister Visits Moroccan Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival

Morocco World

time19-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Morocco World

French Culture Minister Visits Moroccan Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival

Rabat — French Culture Minister Rachida Dati made a visit on Sunday to Morocco's pavilion at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, which is currently running from May 13-24. The visit gave young Moroccan filmmakers selected for the Morocco-France co-production workshop a chance to meet Dati. The Moroccan emerging talents presented their fiction and animation feature film projects during the French minister visit. In a statement to Morocco's central news agency (MAP), Dati said it was 'a pleasure to visit the Moroccan pavilion, which always welcomes many people and is very open.' Morocco's Secretary-General of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication Abdelaziz El Bouzdaini, and the President of the French National Center for Cinema and Animation (CNC), Gaetan Bruel, joined the minister during the visit. Speaking of cinema cooperation between Morocco and France, Dati recalled that the agreement signed last year with Moroccan Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid is already showing results. She said that the professional young Moroccans benefited from the agreement and 'received joint support from Moroccan Cinema Center (CCM) and its French counterpart.' Moroccan youth engagement in gaming, video, and animation film sectors received commend from the minister, describing the sectors as 'high-growth' areas in Morocco. 'This expertise is very special, and we in France could also benefit from it.' 'This is a cooperation between equals where we have much to gain,' Dati added. She suggested it was time to consider the next steps, as 'we are already very advanced' one year after signing the agreement. Read also: The Promises and Perils of Morocco's Cinematic Renaissance El Bouzdaini, who also serves as interim director of CCM, explained that following the bilateral agreement signed in 2024, a joint call for applications was launched months ago. Out of about twenty projects received, five were selected, mostly from young directors working on their first or second films. 'Business-to-business meetings were organized today alongside the Festival,' allowing these project leaders to meet with about fifteen co-producers to discuss collaboration opportunities, he said. Two projects were presented to the minister, namely a 3D animated feature film and a more traditional cinema project that incorporates artificial intelligence elements with a nod to animation. Morocco has a strong presence at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, with a pavilion set up by the CCM at the international village and a stand at the film market dedicated to promoting Moroccan cinema. Tags: 78th Cannes Film FestivalCannes festivalMoroccan cinemaMorocco France

Morocco's New Social Media Law: HACA to Expand Authority Under Bensaid's Plan
Morocco's New Social Media Law: HACA to Expand Authority Under Bensaid's Plan

Morocco World

time16-05-2025

  • Business
  • Morocco World

Morocco's New Social Media Law: HACA to Expand Authority Under Bensaid's Plan

Doha – Morocco is unleashing a regulatory arsenal against global tech giants. The sweeping initiative aims to bring the digital Wild West under state supervision after years of unfettered operation. 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.

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