Gabon's new law shifts the responsibility to parents and platforms while mandating age checks and rapid action on harmful content

Gabon has imposed a sweeping ban on social media use for people under 16, introducing one of the strictest digital laws on the continent, Gabon Review reported on Thursday, citing the newly enacted law.

The authorities declared it illegal for children to create accounts on social media networks or online platforms, except in narrowly defined education contexts. The measure was adopted on February 26 and officially published earlier this week.

Officials say the move is aimed at shielding children from online risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, and disinformation. Oversight will be handled by Gabon's High Communication Authority (HAC), which is tasked with monitoring compliance and auditing digital operators. 

The law introduces shared responsibility between families and tech companies. Parents or legal guardians are now held accountable for the online behavior of children under 16.

At the same time, digital platforms face stricter compliance requirements. Companies must implement robust age verification systems, and remove or block accounts belonging to underage users. Platforms are required to actively filter content deemed violent or sexual. Access to pornographic material is strictly prohibited for minors.

The law also requires platforms to respond swiftly to reports involving minors. They must acknowledge complaints within 24 hours and take action within 72 hours.

In February, the HAC announced a temporary social media block for an indefinite period. The decision was cited as a response to the spread of undesirable, defamatory, and offensive content, which they say is a threat to national security. No specific platforms were named.

The decision reflects a broader global push to tighten control over access to digital platforms for minors. Most of them, however, are still waiting for full implementation.

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In November 2024, Australia passed a law requiring social media platforms to prevent users under 16 from holding accounts, with enforcement measures fully implemented from late 2025. In July 2023, France moved to regulate access, requiring parental consent for users under 15. In November, the Danish government reached a landmark agreement to set a national age limit of 15 for social media use. The law is expected to take full effect by mid-2026.