The High Authority of Communication (HAC) in Guinea has taken a firm stance on regulating online content as the country prepares for crucial regional and senatorial elections. On November 6, 2026, HAC President Boubacar Yacine Diallo signed an official decision establishing a strict framework for online publications during the campaigns for the November 29, 2026 regional elections and December 20, 2026 senatorial elections. This move aims to secure the digital space and ensure a fair electoral process.
The HAC's regulations extend beyond traditional media to include influencers and content creators on digital platforms. The new rules cover services such as online audiovisual platforms, accounts with large followings, influencers, group administrators, bloggers, cyberactivists, and content creators who regularly publish, relay, comment on, or sponsor content related to the electoral campaign. By including these digital actors, the HAC seeks to address the growing influence of interactive platforms in shaping public opinion.
The decision imposes strict deontological rules on editorial teams of digital platforms. Prohibited activities include spreading content that incites hatred or violence, disseminating false information, and manipulating or broadcasting rumors presented as facts. The HAC also emphasizes the importance of transparency, particularly for paid publications, and prohibits hidden sponsored content, unmarked paid relays, and artificial amplification operations intended to deceive the public. Additionally, online actors must ensure fairness among candidates and refrain from publishing results not validated by the General Directorate of Elections.
To enforce these regulations, the HAC has deployed a permanent monitoring system. The institution has the power to issue injunctions and impose gradual measures in case of non-compliance, ranging from warnings to requests for content removal or rectification, and even public disclosure of non-compliance decisions. In cases of major crises threatening social peace, the HAC reserves the right to take conservative measures to preserve public order and the serenity of the electoral process.
The HAC's move is seen as a proactive step to mitigate potential risks associated with the increasing use of digital platforms in electoral processes. By establishing clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms, the HAC aims to promote a responsible and transparent digital environment during the elections. This approach is expected to contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenry, ultimately supporting the integrity of the electoral process.
The regulations have been put in place to ensure that the electoral process is fair, transparent, and free from manipulation. The HAC's efforts to regulate digital content and prevent the spread of misinformation are crucial in maintaining the credibility of the elections. The authority's decision has been welcomed by many as a necessary step to safeguard the democratic process in Guinea.
The HAC's regulations will be crucial in shaping the digital landscape during the elections. The authority's proactive approach to regulating online content will help to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure a fair electoral process. The regulations will also promote transparency and accountability among online actors, ultimately contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Key points
- The HAC's regulations cover a wide range of digital actors, including influencers, content creators, and online audiovisual platforms.
- The regulations prohibit the spread of false information, content inciting hatred or violence, and hidden sponsored content.
- The HAC has deployed a permanent monitoring system to enforce the regulations and impose measures in case of non-compliance.
