Gabon Imposes Ban on Social Media Access for Under-16s
Under the law, adopted on February 26 and officially published earlier this week, it is now illegal for minors to create accounts on social media networks or online platforms — with the sole exception of narrowly defined educational contexts. Oversight and enforcement authority has been vested in Gabon's High Communication Authority (HAC), which is mandated to monitor compliance and conduct audits of digital operators.
The legislation introduces a dual accountability framework, placing responsibility on both families and technology companies. Parents and legal guardians are now legally liable for the online conduct of children in their care, while digital platforms face significantly tightened compliance obligations. Companies are required to deploy robust age verification systems, proactively remove or block underage accounts, and actively filter content deemed violent or sexual in nature. Access to pornographic material by minors is strictly prohibited.
Platforms must also demonstrate swift responsiveness when reports involving minors are filed — acknowledging complaints within 24 hours and taking concrete action within 72 hours.
The move builds on earlier action by the HAC, which in February imposed a temporary and indefinite social media blackout citing the proliferation of content described as undesirable, defamatory, and threatening to national security, without naming specific platforms.
Gabon's legislation reflects a rapidly accelerating global trend toward stricter digital guardrails for minors. In November 2024, Australia passed landmark legislation requiring platforms to bar users under 16 from holding accounts, with enforcement fully rolled out by late 2025. France moved in July 2023 to mandate parental consent for users under 15. More recently, the Danish government struck a landmark national agreement setting 15 as the minimum age for social media use — a law expected to take full effect by mid-2026.
Officials say the sweeping measure is designed to shield children from a range of online dangers, including cyberbullying, harmful content, and the spread of disinformation — though as with many similar laws globally, the challenge of full implementation remains a critical and closely watched test.
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