• Gabon requires all social media users to provide verified personal identification, ending online anonymity.
• Authorities impose stricter liability rules on users, group administrators, and platforms.
• The law introduces fines of up to CFA50 million ($89,415) and prison terms for serious violations.

Gabon strengthened its digital regulatory framework, as authorities adopted stricter rules governing social media and online platforms.

Gabon enacted Ordinance No. 0011/PR/2026 dated February 26, 2026, and authorities published the text on April 8. The ordinance includes 55 articles across 11 chapters, and it fundamentally redefines the rules governing social media and digital platform usage in the country.

End of anonymity and enhanced user traceability

The ordinance requires all users to disclose their identity, as it mandates individuals to provide their name, address, and Personal Identification Number (NIP) to access digital platforms. Service providers must verify the identity of users residing in Gabon, thereby establishing a reinforced system for tracking online activity.

The law also tightens user accountability, as it makes individuals fully responsible for the content they publish. It introduces “joint liability” for the mass dissemination or sharing of content deemed illegal. Social media group administrators must moderate content and report abuses within their communities.

Regulation of artificial intelligence and protection of vulnerable users

The ordinance establishes rules governing artificial intelligence, as it requires transparency for content generated by automated systems. It bans deepfakes when they undermine human dignity or enable manipulation, and it classifies identity theft via AI tools as an aggravating circumstance.

The law sets the digital age of consent at 16, as it requires parental authorization for younger users to access social media platforms. Platforms must implement age verification systems and filter sensitive content, including violent or pornographic material.

Authorities also introduced an expedited regulatory procedure, as courts can order content removal or account suspension within 24 hours. The law mandates a right of reply within 48 hours in cases of public allegations.

The ordinance strengthens enforcement measures, as it imposes fines of up to CFA50 million ($89,415) on non-compliant operators and introduces prison sentences for severe cybersecurity or illegal content violations. However, authorities grant digital players a 12-month transition period to comply with the new requirements.

Reform amid broader tightening of digital regulation

This legal overhaul forms part of broader reforms targeting digital governance and regulation of online public space. Authorities have suspended access to social media platforms for nearly two months, following restrictive measures imposed by the High Authority of Communication.

In this context of increased digital control, the ordinance aims to formalize and structure the legal framework. However, it raises several challenges.

Its implementation requires significant technical resources from platforms and operators, particularly for identity verification and automated moderation systems. It also raises concerns about personal data protection and privacy, as authorities mandate centralized digital identity systems.

Another challenge concerns the ability of digital stakeholders to comply within the required timeframe, especially as several global platforms operate under standards that may prove difficult to adapt to country-specific regulations.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum