The Higher Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) in Morocco has released a study titled "Social Media Platforms and Political Communication: Between Impact and Risks of Misinformation." The study, led by Narges Rghay, explores the transformations brought about by digital platforms in Morocco's democratic life and the opportunities and challenges they present for political practice and public debate.
The study focuses on several issues related to the impact of digital platforms on democratic life, including media misinformation, algorithmic polarization, content manipulation, and the digital dynamics of political parties represented in parliament. It also examines models of citizen movements locally and internationally that have made social media platforms new public spaces.
According to HACA, the study aims to provide a reading of what it calls a "connected Morocco," attempting to dismantle the mechanisms of media misinformation and reframe them in a context where social networks have become an essential part of daily life and the exchange of information and political opinions.
Narges Rghay emphasized that the issue of democratic practice on social media platforms in Morocco is a pressing concern due to rapid technological advancements and the challenges they pose to the quality of democratic dialogue. She warned that media misinformation and algorithmic manipulation pose a real risk of negatively impacting democratic dialogue or distorting the perception of political reality.
The study also analyzed the digital presence of Moroccan political parties represented in parliament on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok, as well as their official websites. The data collected from January to May 2026 reveals that Facebook remains a pivotal space for exchanging ideas and opinions, while TikTok is gaining popularity, especially among young people.
The study's findings indicate that Facebook recorded 2,651 posts on the main pages of the 12 political parties included in the study, while TikTok had 925 videos on the accounts of six parties, and YouTube had 507 videos posted by five parties. On X, four parties published 1,012 posts during the same period.
HACA's study concludes that establishing a national system for regulating and controlling the digital space is crucial, based on a model that balances respect for national constants and the requirements of openness, innovation, and protection of individual rights. The study is available on HACA's website in French.
Key points
- The study warns of the risks of "algorithmic democracy" and emphasizes the need for a national system to regulate the digital space.
- Social media platforms have become essential tools for political communication in Morocco, with Facebook and TikTok being the most popular.
- The study highlights the importance of media literacy and responsible digital citizenship in mitigating the risks associated with social media.
