Morocco HACA study warns of social media risks to democracy

A new study by the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) in Morocco examines the impact of social media platforms on political communication and democratic practices. Titled ‘Social Media Platforms and Political Communication: Between Impact and Risks of Disinformation’, the report analyzes how digital spaces influence democratic life, focusing on disinformation, algorithmic polarization, and the digital dynamics of Moroccan political parties.

The study highlights that while social media serves as a public space for expression and civic movements, it also poses significant risks through algorithmic manipulation and the spread of false information. Narjiss Raghai, head of the working group on regulation and digital media, warned of a potential ‘democracy subject to algorithms,’ noting that the opacity of algorithms and the concentration of power among internet giants create challenges for transparency and civic oversight.

To address these issues, the report suggests enhancing transparency, promoting digital media literacy, and diversifying news sources. The research analyzed the digital presence of 12 political parties represented in Parliament across platforms including Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok, using data collected between January and May 2026.