Niger's military government has announced plans to introduce new regulations on social media use in the country, sparking concerns over media control and freedom of speech. Under the proposed rules, social media groups with 50 or more members will require government licensing to operate.

The announcement was made by Niger's Minister of Communication, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, during an interview on national television. Raliou stated that social networks are being misused for profit and harmful activities, and that platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook are no longer limited to private conversations. "When people create large groups for business, politics, or activism, these spaces should be regulated like any other public association," he said.

The move is seen as an attempt to tighten media control in the country, particularly in the wake of the 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, Niger has become a hotspot for disinformation in the Sahel region, with false rumors, misleading videos, and manipulated audio clips circulating widely on social media.

According to DataReportal, as of 2024, Niger had 4.69 million internet users and 611.1 thousand social media users, with internet penetration standing at 16.9%. Additionally, 16.46 million cellular mobile connections were active in early 2024, representing 59.4% of the total population. This highlights the rapid dissemination of information, driven by widespread smartphone use in the country.

WhatsApp is the most popular social media platform in Niger, followed by Facebook, which is primarily used by literate users. However, the widespread use of social media has contributed to a surge in misinformation, and the government is seeking to regulate these platforms to prevent harm and protect the public from false information and online dangers.

Raliou assured that clear plans would be shared soon and emphasized that any new rules would aim to prevent harm rather than restrict freedoms. However, critics are concerned that the regulations could be used to suppress dissent and stifle freedom of speech.

The government is also considering collaborating with other countries that have already implemented social media regulations. This move is seen as an attempt to further consolidate control over the media landscape in Niger.

The implications of these regulations are far-reaching, and could have significant consequences for freedom of speech and media freedom in Niger. As the government moves to implement these rules, it remains to be seen how they will be enforced and what impact they will have on the country's social media landscape.

In a region where disinformation and misinformation are already rampant, the introduction of stricter social media regulations raises important questions about the balance between media control and freedom of speech. As Niger's government moves to implement these rules, it will be crucial to monitor their impact and ensure that they do not stifle the free flow of information and ideas.