Domestic
State announces blocking of obscene internet sites
The government now intends to take action on online content as part of its security policy. Meeting in Council of Ministers at the Iavoloha State Palace, the Executive decided to implement measures to block internet sites distributing obscene images and videos. According to authorities, such content violates public morality and may threaten public order. In a statement issued following the meeting, the Presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic stated that the existence of these platforms encourages various forms of delinquency and contributes to the deterioration of the security climate. Ministries and relevant public bodies have been tasked with working together to ensure implementation of this decision. Through this measure, the government displays its willingness to integrate digital technology into its security apparatus. The objective is to limit the distribution of content deemed harmful and to address factors that authorities believe may encourage certain deviant behaviors. While the decision is now finalized, several gray areas remain. The statement provides neither the criteria for identifying targeted sites nor the authority responsible for drawing up the list. No indication has been given regarding the technical means that will be used to block the platforms concerned. This lack of clarity is already fueling questions about the actual scope of the measure. Could social media be affected? Could certain Facebook pages or accounts distributing content deemed contrary to public morality or likely to disturb public order be targeted? These questions are all the more important given that Communications and Culture Minister O'Gascar Fenosoa Mandrindrarivony announced on June 15 that the government was considering legislation to regulate social networks to combat harassment, defamation and misinformation while protecting Malagasy values. Meanwhile, authorities regularly denounce anonymous accounts on social media. During a statement by the National Mixed Operational Command (EMMO-NAT), National Police Director General Jean Victor Tsaramonina accused certain 'fake' accounts of spreading information designed to create a climate of fear among the population. This decision also comes in a particular political context. For several weeks, state officials have linked rising insecurity to attempts to destabilize the government. In this context, the future system will be closely watched. While it is the state's responsibility to combat illegal content, several voices believe it will be equally important to guarantee respect for freedom of expression and opinion so that the fight against internet abuse does not become a tool for restricting digital freedoms.
Source: Madagascar Tribune