Morocco

MPs propose social media ban for minors under 16: Morocco's Parliamentary Group of the Party of Progress and Socialism proposed a law to restrict social media access for minors under 16, requiring parental consent.

Bill to establish digital age of consent at 16 proposed: The Progress and Socialism Party group in the Moroccan Parliament introduced a bill aimed at setting the digital age of consent at 16 years for data processing and social media use, requiring parental consent for minors under this age.

Morocco plans regulatory framework for social media: Morocco announced plans for a regulatory framework to monitor social media and digital platforms.

New draft criminal law on 'fake news' not yet passed: Moroccan lawmakers introduced a new draft criminal law that includes strict penalties for social media users who post 'fake news' online, but it had not been passed as of June 2023.

Fatima Karim sentenced for 'undermining Islam': Online user Fatima Karim was sentenced to two years in prison for 'undermining Islam' over content she posted on Facebook.

Law No. 103-13 on combating violence against women became effective: This law includes provisions criminalizing the dissemination of images or videos that violate privacy or public decency, or that are of a sexual nature without consent.

New Press and Publications Code became effective: This new press code eliminated jail sentences for press offenses but replaced them with steep fines, and contains provisions specifically for online media.

4G technology first utilized: Fourth-generation (4G) licenses were granted to the three telecommunications companies, and the technology was first utilized.

Encryption authorization shifted to military: Decree 2-13-88 shifted responsibility for authorizing and monitoring 'electronic certifications,' including encryption, from the civilian-run ANRT to the military’s General Directorate for the Security of Information Systems (DGSSI).

SIM card registration mandated: Purchasers of SIM cards were required to register their names and national identity numbers with telecommunications operators.

Lakome.com blocked: The independent media platform Lakome.com was blocked by order of the attorney general to the ANRT for allegedly condoning terrorism.

Maghreb Digital program's 'Maroc Numeric' 2013 strategy released: This strategy aimed to reinforce online rights legislation but was abandoned due to backlash.

Draft bill 'Code Numérique' introduced: A draft bill was introduced to restrict online rights, but was later abandoned due to backlash.

Moroccan Constitution reformed: The constitution was reformed, strengthening the judiciary as a separate branch of government, though its independence is often questioned in practice.

National Control Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CNDP) established: CNDP was established to oversee data protection.

Fouad Mourtada sentenced for fake Facebook profile: Fouad Mourtada was sentenced to three years in prison for creating a fake profile of the king's brother on Facebook, convicted of 'villainous practices linked to the alleged theft' of identity.

YouTube briefly blocked: Maroc Telecom supposedly decided to ban YouTube when videos judged offensive to the king were posted, without a judiciary decision.

Law to Combat Terror became effective: This law gives the government sweeping powers to filter and delete content deemed to 'disrupt public order by intimidation, force, violence, fear, or terror.'

High Authority of Audiovisual Communication (HACA) established: HACA was established by royal decree to oversee audiovisual communication.

Telecommunications monopoly ended: Licenses were granted to Medi Telecom and Inwi, ending Maroc Telecom's monopoly over the ICT sector.

National Agency of the Regulation of Telecommunications (ANRT) established: ANRT is involved in regulating the ICT sector and has been implicated in website blocking.

Law No. 24-96 on the Press and Publishing became effective: This law contains general provisions regarding content.