Under the proposed rules, social media groups in Niger 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. He stated that social networks are being misused for profit and harmful activities.
Raliou emphasized 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.
Social media trends in Niger
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.
In Niger, WhatsApp is the most popular social media platform, followed by Facebook, which is primarily used by literate users.
However, the widespread use of social media has contributed to a surge in misinformation, particularly following the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023.
According to Al Jazeera, since the coup, Niger has become a hotspot for disinformation in the Sahel region.
West African leaders continue to struggle with crafting a response to the crisis, as false rumors, misleading videos, and manipulated audio clips circulate widely on social media—either in support of or against the coup leaders. Many of these claims have since been debunked.
Niger wields the big stick
Niger’s communication minister, Raliou noted that social media groups created for business, politics, or activism should be regulated like any other public association.
Raliou stated that once a chat group includes dozens or even hundreds of members, it is no longer a private space but rather an official group or organization that requires oversight.
“These platforms have become a lucrative business for some and a subversive tool against regimes for others,” he said.
Local media reports indicate that the minister warned about the increasing use of social media for financial gains, some of which may not always be legal.
He also expressed concerns that certain individuals exploit these platforms to spread messages that could threaten the government.
Raliou further revealed that Niger’s government is considering collaborating with other countries that have already implemented social media regulations.
He assured that clear plans would be shared soon and emphasized that any new rules would aim to prevent harm rather than restrict freedoms.
Addressing concerns over potential suppression of dissent, Raliou insisted that freedom of speech would be maintained, but the regulations are necessary to protect the public from false information and online dangers.
