How can content published across social media networks be regulated? This is a thorny issue that media regulators in Africa are attempting to address.
Social media certainly increases access to information, but its use by users also leaves room for many abuses, including misinformation. To combat this scourge and provide a framework for the digital platforms that are exploding across the continent, initiatives are multiplying.
Recently, the HACA in Côte d'Ivoire officially published the terms of collaboration to be implemented between digital platforms and media regulators to better regulate social networks. By way of illustration, the HACA chose to publish some key figures on the use of social networks in the country:
Internet penetration rate as of June 30, 2023, according to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Côte d'Ivoire (ARTCI)
| Penetration rate | |
| Fixed internet penetration rate | 0.7 |
| Mobile internet penetration rate | 89.8 |
According to the press release and data published by Digital Discovery in February 2023 on key figures for social media in Côte d'Ivoire, the number of social media users in Côte d'Ivoire stood at 5.10 million in January 2023. This number was equivalent to 17.9% of the total population.
Given the rapid expansion of the internet in Côte d'Ivoire and the risks of abuse, the HACA has decided to take steps to regulate audiovisual content broadcast online in collaboration with digital platforms. According to the official statement, this collaboration will involve:
1- Instead of the authorization system for social media platforms provided for in Law No. 2022-979 of December 20, 2022, a declaration system has been agreed upon whereby these platforms would provide the HACA with the contact details of resource persons who would serve as liaisons to facilitate collaboration;
2- For reporting inappropriate or malicious audiovisual content, it was agreed to set up a direct reporting channel accessible by the HACA. This would facilitate the process of reporting problematic content and contribute to a faster and more effective response;
3- With regard to the annual fee provided for by law, digital platforms suggest that, rather than introducing an annual tax that would be difficult to implement, the possibility of levying taxes on advertising broadcast on online videos or considering a tax contributing to the development of audiovisual communication should be explored. This approach could offer a more viable alternative for generating revenue.
4- Regarding the timeframe for processing decisions to suspend or remove inappropriate or malicious audiovisual content reported by the regulator, it was recommended that no specific timeframe be specified for such removal in the implementing decree of the aforementioned law, but rather that the use of the expression "without undue delay" be encouraged. This would allow for the flexibility needed to respond effectively to various situations.
It should be noted that Côte d'Ivoire had decided to tackle the issue of content regulation head-on on October 26, adopting, in collaboration with bloggers and influencers, the very first agreement aimed at regulating social media within the country.
“If we aspire to a fair and equitable society, we must put in place effective legal mechanisms that protect the rights of every citizen. The web, which has become a platform for ordinary citizens to express themselves, must have a minimum set of rules. Côte d'Ivoire has nearly 7 million social media users. When we consider the impact that bloggers, activists, and influencers can have on the behavior of internet users, regulation is essential in the world of content creators," said Rita Pascale Kwaminan, President of the Association of Bloggers of Côte d'Ivoire, in an interview with Adweknow.
Source: press release