Latest news with #HACA
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) pre-election mission' kicks off its activities in preparation for the october 2025 presidential election in Côte d'Ivoire
The ECOWAS pre-election mission in Côte d'Ivoire, led by Prof. Théodore Holo began its activities on June 30th, 2025 with a series of meetings with the Institutions in charge of the presidential election, the actors and certain stakeholders in the electoral process. The objective of this ECOWAS pre-election fact-finding mission is to engage with actors and stakeholders in the electoral process on the political atmosphere and the conduct of pre-election activities, to identify any difficulties and to make concrete recommendations for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the presidential election. Since its arrival in Abidjan, the Mission has met with certain institutions in charge of the presidential election as well as certain actors and stakeholders in the electoral process. On June 30th, 2025 the mission held consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA), representatives of media associations and civil society, the Independent Electoral Commission, the ambassadors of ECOWAS member countries accredited to Côte d'Ivoire, and Ms Hélène N'Garnim-Ganga, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Côte d'Ivoire. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, Prof. Théodore Holo and his delegation were received by Ambassador Yapi Koffi Évariste, Secretary General of H.E. Léon Kacou Adom, Ivorian Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad. In his introductory remarks, Prof. Holo reiterated ECOWAS' commitment to maintaining regional momentum in support of democratic processes, in a context where peace and stability remain crucial issues. At the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA), the ECOWAS delegation met with its President, Mr. René BOURGOIN, to inquire about the overall framework for preparing for the elections at the media level, the institutional mechanisms put in place, and the role this body plays in the electoral process. In this regard, the HACA gave a presentation on the operational mechanisms already deployed, the mechanisms for monitoring online media, and the awareness-raising activities carried out with audiovisual actors. During his meeting with media representatives, the Head of the ECOWAS Pre-Election Mission recalled the crucial role that the media play in the conduct of the electoral process and in the dissemination of accurate and responsible information, all of which promotes social cohesion and peace. Prof. Holo emphasised the need for equitable access to the media for candidates and stressed the responsibility of regulators and the media in preventing hate speech and disinformation, particularly on digital platforms. On July 1st, 2025 the ECOWAS delegation first met with representatives of Ivorian civil society organisations, including the Initiative for Peace, the CNCJI, the AFJCI, WANEP-CI, MIDH, RESPSFECO, POECI, FOSCAO, the Islamic Council, CIED and RAIDH. The mission then visited the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), where it held discussions with its President, Mr Ibrahim Kuibiert Coulibaly, and members of the CEI Bureau. Prof. Holo was accompanied by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau MUSAH (PhD), Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Commission, and H.E. Ms. Adjo-vi Yekpe, Ambassador of Benin to ECOWAS, representing the Committee of Permanent Representatives of ECOWAS Member States, H.E. Fanta Cissé, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Côte d'Ivoire, a representative of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and a team of electoral experts from the sub-region and the Directorate of Political Affairs. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
TN govt unveils ‘deemed NOC' system for planning permits
Chennai: Starting July 1, the state govt rolled out a time-bound 'deemed NOC' system to streamline the process of obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for planning permissions. This step is expected to reduce red tape, bring transparency, and speed up project clearances, especially for the housing and infrastructure sector. "This is the first time a state has introduced this system. This GO was released on Oct 24, but norms for deemed NOCs have been released now. This is a welcome step for housing and other industries. This will save three to six months for getting NOCs," said S Sridharan, executive committee member, CREDAI National. Under the new framework, 11 key departments — including district collectorates, fire services, water resources, forest, CMRL, TNHB — must process NOC requests within 30 days, with the exception of the department of agriculture, which has a 21-day deadline. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Once an NOC request is submitted, departments have 10 days to raise queries and conduct site inspections. If no queries are raised within that period, the system locks further objections. Applicants then get 20 days to respond, after which the department has another 10 days to act. If no action is taken, the application is treated as "deemed approved initiated", though the document cannot yet be downloaded. Once deemed approval is triggered, departments get a final seven-day objection window. If no objection is raised, or if objections are not resolved within the system-defined periods, the NOC is marked as 'deemed approved' and can be downloaded by the applicant. Officials said that if an objection is raised within time, there's no fixed limit for the applicant to respond. Additional instructions clarify that NOCs involving central agencies such as Defence, Airport Authority of India, Archaeological Survey of India, National Highways Authority, Environment Impact Assessment Authority, and Southern Railways must still be obtained before planning permission is granted. In coastal regulation zones, approval from the competent authority must be secured before applying for planning clearance. The department of agriculture engineering has been exempted from issuing NOCs, as HACA validation is already considered sufficient. For power infrastructure, a separate NOC from Tangedco is not required for HT/LT lines passing through a site, as these will be verified by CMDA or DTCP. However, Tangedco approval is still necessary for Extra High Tension (EHT) lines such as transmission towers.
Morocco World
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Taxis vs Ride-Sharing Apps: Morocco Pledges Reforms for Modern Transport System
Rabat – Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has responded to concerns about the ongoing, delicate challenges prompted by constant clashes between taxis and ride-sharing apps in Morocco. Efforts are ongoing to develop a new system for taxis, Laftit announced on Monday, noting that studies are being conducted to modernize the transport sector. Laftit's made the statement in response to MPs'' questions during a parliament session at the House of Representatives, where the minister stressed that the current taxi system is 'no longer sustainable and must be developed to meet the challenges.' He pledged a modern approach with technologies to tackle the situation, noting that the goal of a similar project is to establish a system that responds to the requirements of the current phase and meets citizens' aspirations without harming those working in the sector. Laftit's remarks come amid an ongoing delicate situation marked by constant clashes between taxis and ride-sharing applications, especially In-Drive. Over the past months, several reports and viral videos have documented the clashes between taxi drivers and ride-sharing app drivers. One of the latest incidents took place in December last year. Videos and eyewitness accounts of the clash documented scenes of physical violence (notably an exchange of punches and kicks) and verbal abuse. The incident began when taxi drivers chased a ride-sharing driver through the streets of Rabat, converging reports indicated, adding that the chase started when the ride-sharing driver picked up a passenger at Agdal train station. Many similar incidents have taken place over the years, dividing opinions across Morocco. Some have called on the Moroccan government to set up clear regulations overseeing ride-sharing applications operating in Morocco. In May, minister Laftit warned taxi drivers, stressing that any attempt to stop drivers working for ride-sharing apps by individuals or groups outside the competent legal authorities should be punished by law. Laftit also acknowledged that using private cars to transport people through apps without licenses is illegal, pledging that security forces are actively working to handle the situation. In March, professional taxi unions asked Morocco's High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) to end broadcasting an in-Drive advertisement oin public television channels, like 2M. The unions argued that the decision to air promotional content for inDrive is a flagrant violation of national laws, especially since the ride-sharing application operates without proper licensing in Morocco. It remains to be seen whether Morocco's new project will tackle the ongoing saga between the two taxi drivers and ride-sharing applications, with the goal of appeasing both sides while above all ensuring the comfort of residents and citizens. Tags: indriveMoroccan Taxis
Ya Biladi
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
2M's World Cup segment not political advertising, says Morocco's audiovisual authority
The High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) has dismissed complaints filed by three opposition parties concerning a segment aired on 2M about the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Following its meeting on May 8, the Superior Council of Audiovisual Communication concluded that the broadcast did not contain any elements of prohibited or political advertising. The complaints—lodged by the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), the Popular Movement (MP), and the Justice and Development Party (PJD)—claimed that the segment linked the upcoming World Cup to specific government programs, thereby amounting to political promotion. They argued that the content featured electoral messaging that could be perceived as endorsing the executive's accomplishments. In its decision, announced on May 16, HACA stated that the segment did not include any political or financial endorsements of individuals or parties. Instead, it highlighted «citizen engagement around social projects of national interest», without any explicit or implicit reference to a political entity through visual elements (such as symbols, logos, or colors) or auditory cues. «The content in question refers to various social programs. After review, it appears these initiatives are part of national projects launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and implemented by successive governments over different periods. These programs have already been widely announced and covered in the media», HACA noted in its official communiqué. Therefore, the Council ruled that the segment did not meet the criteria for advertising under Article 2.1 of Law No. 77.03, nor those of prohibited political advertising as defined by Article 2.3 of the same law.
Morocco World
16-05-2025
- 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.
