Social media suspended in Gabon for 'spreading of false information'

BBC News - WorldEN 2 min read 100% complete February 18, 2026 at 12:05 PM

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medium article 2 min

Gabon's media regulator, the High Authority for Communication (HAC), announced the suspension of social media platforms "until further notice" on Tuesday. The HAC cited the spread of false information, cyberbullying, and unauthorized disclosure of personal data as reasons for the decision, though specific platforms were not named. The move comes amid growing social unrest and strikes over pay and working conditions under President Brice Oligui Nguema, who assumed power after a military coup in 2023. Reports indicate that some users are already experiencing disruptions to platforms like Facebook and TikTok. The suspension has sparked concern among business owners who rely on social media for promotion, while others believe the government's action was prompted by specific issues.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Libreville 40% Paul Njie 40% Wycliffe Muia 40% AFP 40% BBC ×250% WhatsApp 60% Jean-Claude Mendome ×260% TikTok ×270% Brice Oligui Nguema 70% High Authority for Communication (HAC) 70% Facebook ×270% Gabon ×590%

Keywords

social media suspension 90% false information 70% cyberbullying 60% media regulator 60% general brice oligui nguema 50% digital blackout 50% social unrest 50% presidential elections 40% military coup 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

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Source

BBC News - World

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90%

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social media suspension false information cyberbullying media regulator general brice oligui nguema digital blackout social unrest presidential elections military coup

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