Mauritania
Africa
Age Verification Compliance Overview
This page provides comprehensive age verification and compliance information for Mauritania. Our research team continuously monitors regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments to ensure businesses have access to up-to-date compliance intelligence.
Mauritania has implemented a complete prohibition on age-restricted adult content, classified as "Banned". This ban typically includes website blocking, payment processing restrictions, and potential criminal penalties for violations. Businesses should not attempt to operate in this jurisdiction without explicit legal counsel, as enforcement may include criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and reputational damage.
The information below includes regulatory status, legal requirements, enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non-compliance, acceptable verification methods, and relevant regulatory authorities. This data is essential for platforms, content providers, and businesses that need to implement age-appropriate access controls or verify user ages.
Please note: Adult content access is currently prohibited in Mauritania. This ban may affect website accessibility, payment processing, and service availability. Businesses should consult legal counsel before operating in this jurisdiction.
Minimum Age
N/A (Banned)
Content is completely prohibited
Age Gate Required
No
No verification required
Last Verified
10/12/2025
Most recent data update
Regulatory Timeline
Historical changes and upcoming regulatory events
- Banned
Content Monitoring and Cybercrime Fighting Unit announced combating atheistic content: The Content Monitoring and Cybercrime Fighting Unit, under the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administration Modernization, announced combating organized atheistic content on social media.
- Banned
Special police unit for cybercrime established: A special unit of the Mauritanian police dedicated to fighting cybercrime was established in Nouakchott.
- Banned
Malabo Convention entered into force: The Malabo Convention entered into force after Mauritania's ratification.
- Banned
Ratification of Malabo Convention: Mauritania ratified The African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention).
- Banned
Mobile internet disrupted: Mobile internet access was disrupted following a prison break and widespread protests.
- Banned
National Digital Security Strategy 2022-2025: Implementation of a national strategy in cybersecurity.
- Banned
Loi n° 2016-007 relative à la cybercriminalité (Cybercrime Law): Adoption and effectiveness of the Cybercrime Law, which frames cybercrime, protects systems, and sanctions infractions with imprisonment and fines.
- Banned
Bloggers protest against proposed internet censorship law: Mauritanian bloggers protested against a proposed law aimed at regulating online content, fearing it would restrict freedoms and enable surveillance.
- Banned
Demand for 'Morality Police' and bans on pornography: The 'No to Pornography' movement organized demonstrations demanding bans on pornography, prostitution, and the creation of 'morality police'.
- Banned
Loi n° 2010-045 relative à la communication audiovisuelle (Audiovisual Communication Law): Enactment of the Audiovisual Communication Law.
- Banned
Ordonnance n° 2006-017 sur la liberté de la presse (Press Freedom Ordinance): Enactment of the Press Freedom Ordinance.
- Banned
Telecommunications Law (Loi n° 99-019): Enactment of the Telecommunications Law, ending state monopoly and creating the Autorité de Régulation (ARE).
Data Sources
Legal documents and references supporting this data
Showing 5 of 17 sources
fr.wikipedia.orgCybercriminalit%C3%A9_en_Mauritanie
finances.gov.mrLoi%202016-007%20Cybercriminalit%C3%A9.pdf
fr.wikipedia.orgLoi_sur_la_cybercriminalit%C3%A9_en_Mauritanie
tahseen.aemauritania
ecpat.orgGlobal_Monitoring_Report-MAURITANIA.pdf
All sources are evaluated for credibility and relevance. Primary sources indicate official legal documents and government publications. Credibility scores reflect source reliability based on jurisdiction, publication authority, and verification status.
Related Countries
Countries with similar regulatory frameworks
Regulatory Authorities
Regulator contacts will appear here as they become available.