Gabon lifts suspension of social media platforms

Gabon's High Authority for Communication (HAC) has lifted the suspension of social media platforms that had been in place since February 17, 2026. The decision to suspend access was originally implemented to combat rising informational disorder, including the spread of fake news, hate speech, and content deemed harmful to national security and social cohesion.

Germain Ngoyo Moussavou, president of the HAC, stated that the suspension was not intended as a punishment for users but as a necessary measure to allow the government to update legal frameworks for better digital regulation. The hiatus provided time to address the lack of legal tools required to manage the cyber-space and to engage in constructive dialogue with major digital platforms.

According to Moussavou, negotiations with companies including TikTok, Meta, and Google have yielded positive responses. The goal of the new regulatory approach is to ensure that social media platforms do not become lawless spaces for defamation or instability within the country.