• Rwanda plans to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
• Authorities plan to use a national digital identification system to verify users’ ages.
• Several African countries, including Gabon, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, are advancing similar restrictions on minors’ access to digital platforms.

Rwanda plans to tighten regulations governing minors’ use of social media platforms as African governments increase scrutiny of children’s exposure to digital content and online risks.

ICT and Innovation Minister Paula Ingabire said on Wednesday, April 29, that the government was preparing legislation to prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing digital platforms. Authorities aim to address growing concerns over online content and its impact on children’s development.

The proposed law would prevent minors from creating accounts or accessing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Authorities would implement the restrictions through cooperation between internet service providers, digital platforms and parents. The government also plans to rely on a national digital identification system to verify users’ ages.

Ingabire said national data supported the government’s decision. A recent study showed that 46% of schoolchildren already accessed digital services through mobile phones, often without parental supervision.

At the same time, between 30% and 35% of students reported difficulties linked to social media use, including attention disorders and anxiety associated with online content consumption, the minister said.

The initiative builds on Rwanda’s existing online child protection framework rather than introducing a standalone measure. In 2025, the country adopted a national child online protection policy that strengthened oversight of digital content and expanded cooperation with internet providers and digital platforms to curb harmful material.

Rwanda also already enforces cybersecurity and data protection laws that include specific provisions for minors under the age of 16.

African governments tighten digital safeguards

Rwanda’s move reflects a broader regulatory trend across Africa as governments seek to tighten controls on minors’ access to social media platforms.

In Gabon, authorities recently announced regulations that would impose a minimum age of 16 for social media access alongside stronger identity verification measures.

Zimbabwe is also considering similar restrictions targeting users under 18, while Nigeria has launched public consultations on introducing age limits for social media platforms.

Meanwhile, Egypt has started regulatory discussions aimed at strengthening child protection measures against the rise of harmful online content.

These initiatives align with broader coordination efforts led in part by the African Union to improve online safety standards for children across the continent.

Samira Njoya