Faced with the multiplication of fake news and conspiracy theories, the Ivorian authorities want to modify the legal framework of the press and audiovisual communication. Influencers, bloggers and cyber-activists fear for their freedom of expression.
Between artistic vagueness and trial of intent, the chief rhetoricians of Côte d’Ivoire look at each other. On one side of the ring, the language of wood and the diplomatic precautions of those responsible for communication regulation. On the other hand, the posture of the “urchins” of the new digital communications. At stake: the reinforced supervision of this colorful fauna made up of incisive bloggers, trendy influencers and connected activists…
Right in its boots, the government adopted, on March 9 in the Council of Ministers, two bills which concern the actors of the communication. They amend Laws No. 2017-867 and No. 2017-868 of December 27, 2017 on the “legal regime of the press and legal regime of audiovisual communication”. Nearly new digital media are the target of this procedure, the avowed aim being to “ensure efficient regulation of new and growing mechanisms of public communication”.
Incitement to hatred
Considering the “audiovisual communication activities and the production of digital information, disseminated via the Internet and other multimedia networks” insufficiently taken into account by the legislation, the authorities wish that they no longer escape the control of the regulatory authorities of the sector information and communication, namely the National Press Authority (ANP) and the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA).
For the government spokesman, Amadou Coulibaly, there would be nothing to howl wolf. First, the networks would still spread too much content unsuitable for minors and too much incitement to hatred, ethnic, social and religious discrimination, xenophobia or public provocation. Secondly, parliament should not legislate without listening to all the bells and whistles.
The good old technique of suspending social networks is making a comeback in some African countries
Stifle dissenting voices?
While a vagueness surrounds the concrete application of these measures, the said sounds of bell are already being heard on the side of bloggers, activists and influencers who value the independence that the network of networks conferred on them until then. . The prolix professionals of Facebook or Youtube fear of being brutally and strictly applied the ethical and deontological rules of the journalistic professions. If the list of condiments of the sauce with which they will be eaten still seems nebulous, they suspect an attack on their freedom of expression.
If it is true that abuses of the net are indeed flourishing in Africa, between fake news, informative approximations and conspiracy theories, many political regimes on the continent have demonstrated, in recent months, their ambition to stifle discordant voices, that whether superfluous or relevant. Witness the return, in some countries, of the good old technique of suspending – even temporarily – social networks. What will happen in Côte d’Ivoire? Who will blog will see…
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