The High Authority of Communication (HAC) in Gabon has warned media outlets and online platforms that they will face sanctions if they do not comply with regulations. The HAC, led by Germain Ngoyo Moussavou, held a plenary session in Libreville and reminded media officials, digital platform administrators, and advertisers of their legal obligations. The regulator is particularly concerned about online media outlets that continue to operate without authorization, despite repeated warnings.
According to the HAC, many online newspapers continue to publish without authorization, despite five reminders issued since April 2022. While creating a digital press company is free, its operation is subject to compliance with existing legal provisions. The HAC is responsible for granting permits to publish, as per the texts governing the institution. The regulator also aims to combat the spread of hate speech, misinformation, and settling scores on social media.
The HAC has called on social media administrators to verify the reliability of their sources and assess the impact of their publications. Article 8 of Ordinance No. 00011-PR-2026, dated February 26, 2026, states that users who amplify illicit content are jointly responsible with the author. The regulator is also concerned about the health sector, where some media outlets and social media platforms advertise unproven treatments for serious or chronic diseases.
The HAC has denounced the proliferation of advertisements promising miraculous cures for diseases without scientific evidence. The institution reminds advertisers that they must justify their claims and that any advertising related to products that may affect human health is subject to prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. Media outlets that broadcast these messages risk sanctions, including seizure, temporary or permanent suspension, or prohibition from publishing and broadcasting.
The HAC has emphasized that the health of Gabon's population is not a commodity and that it will ensure that regulations are respected. In addition to warnings, the regulator calls on the public to be vigilant and report suspicious therapeutic advertisements to the competent authorities. The HAC's warnings are part of its efforts to regulate the media landscape and protect the public from misinformation and harm.
The regulator's actions are based on existing laws and regulations, which provide for penalties for non-compliance. The HAC has urged media outlets and online platforms to comply with regulations to avoid sanctions. The institution is committed to ensuring that the media landscape in Gabon is regulated and that the public is protected from harm.
The HAC's efforts to regulate the media landscape in Gabon are ongoing, and the institution will continue to monitor media outlets and online platforms for compliance with regulations. The regulator's goal is to promote a responsible and informed media environment that serves the public interest.
Key points
- The HAC has warned media outlets and online platforms of sanctions for non-compliance with regulations, including the requirement for online media outlets to obtain authorization to operate.
