Angola passes fake news law covering domestic and foreign online content

A new Angolan law targeting false information on the internet entered into force on Thursday. The legislation applies not only to content produced within Angola but also to material created abroad that is directed at an Angolan audience. It obliges digital platforms and social‑media services to submit monthly transparency reports, implement mechanisms to identify and remove deceptive content, and face sanctions for non‑compliance.

The law defines offences ranging from light to very serious, with fines up to 200 minimum wages for individuals and 400 minimum wages for companies, and criminal penalties of one to ten years’ imprisonment for the most severe violations, such as hate‑incitement, attacks on reputation, election interference or threats to state security. It also introduces legal concepts such as "deepfake", "misinformation" and "artificial dissemination networks". The bill was approved by the National Assembly with 105 votes in favour; the opposition UNITA voted against, warning of contradictory provisions and potential over‑criminalisation of social‑media users.