Latest news with #HACA
Morocco World
a day ago
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Taxis vs Ride-Sharing Apps: Morocco Pledges Reforms for Modern Transport System
Rabat – Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has responded to concerns about the ongoing, delicate challenges prompted by constant clashes between taxis and ride-sharing apps in Morocco. Efforts are ongoing to develop a new system for taxis, Laftit announced on Monday, noting that studies are being conducted to modernize the transport sector. Laftit's made the statement in response to MPs'' questions during a parliament session at the House of Representatives, where the minister stressed that the current taxi system is 'no longer sustainable and must be developed to meet the challenges.' He pledged a modern approach with technologies to tackle the situation, noting that the goal of a similar project is to establish a system that responds to the requirements of the current phase and meets citizens' aspirations without harming those working in the sector. Laftit's remarks come amid an ongoing delicate situation marked by constant clashes between taxis and ride-sharing applications, especially In-Drive. Over the past months, several reports and viral videos have documented the clashes between taxi drivers and ride-sharing app drivers. One of the latest incidents took place in December last year. Videos and eyewitness accounts of the clash documented scenes of physical violence (notably an exchange of punches and kicks) and verbal abuse. The incident began when taxi drivers chased a ride-sharing driver through the streets of Rabat, converging reports indicated, adding that the chase started when the ride-sharing driver picked up a passenger at Agdal train station. Many similar incidents have taken place over the years, dividing opinions across Morocco. Some have called on the Moroccan government to set up clear regulations overseeing ride-sharing applications operating in Morocco. In May, minister Laftit warned taxi drivers, stressing that any attempt to stop drivers working for ride-sharing apps by individuals or groups outside the competent legal authorities should be punished by law. Laftit also acknowledged that using private cars to transport people through apps without licenses is illegal, pledging that security forces are actively working to handle the situation. In March, professional taxi unions asked Morocco's High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) to end broadcasting an in-Drive advertisement oin public television channels, like 2M. The unions argued that the decision to air promotional content for inDrive is a flagrant violation of national laws, especially since the ride-sharing application operates without proper licensing in Morocco. It remains to be seen whether Morocco's new project will tackle the ongoing saga between the two taxi drivers and ride-sharing applications, with the goal of appeasing both sides while above all ensuring the comfort of residents and citizens. Tags: indriveMoroccan Taxis
Ya Biladi
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
2M's World Cup segment not political advertising, says Morocco's audiovisual authority
The High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) has dismissed complaints filed by three opposition parties concerning a segment aired on 2M about the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Following its meeting on May 8, the Superior Council of Audiovisual Communication concluded that the broadcast did not contain any elements of prohibited or political advertising. The complaints—lodged by the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), the Popular Movement (MP), and the Justice and Development Party (PJD)—claimed that the segment linked the upcoming World Cup to specific government programs, thereby amounting to political promotion. They argued that the content featured electoral messaging that could be perceived as endorsing the executive's accomplishments. In its decision, announced on May 16, HACA stated that the segment did not include any political or financial endorsements of individuals or parties. Instead, it highlighted «citizen engagement around social projects of national interest», without any explicit or implicit reference to a political entity through visual elements (such as symbols, logos, or colors) or auditory cues. «The content in question refers to various social programs. After review, it appears these initiatives are part of national projects launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and implemented by successive governments over different periods. These programs have already been widely announced and covered in the media», HACA noted in its official communiqué. Therefore, the Council ruled that the segment did not meet the criteria for advertising under Article 2.1 of Law No. 77.03, nor those of prohibited political advertising as defined by Article 2.3 of the same law.
Morocco World
16-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's New Social Media Law: HACA to Expand Authority Under Bensaid's Plan
Doha – Morocco is unleashing a regulatory arsenal against global tech giants. The sweeping initiative aims to bring the digital Wild West under state supervision after years of unfettered operation. With a stroke of legislative authority, the North African country intends to rein in platforms that have become powerful shapers of public opinion, cultural values, and social behavior. This bold power play positions Morocco at the vanguard of regional efforts to assert national sovereignty over virtual spaces previously dominated by Silicon Valley corporations. 'The anarchic proliferation of social networks and their social impact clearly demonstrates the necessity of preparing a complete national legal framework capable of accompanying digital transformations, and protecting the values of societal cohesion,' declared Minister of Culture, Youth and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid. He presented the plan before the Commission of Education, Culture and Communication at the Chamber of Representatives on Wednesday, stressing that the legislation would protect societal values 'without infringing on freedom of expression.' The minister's department is currently developing what he described as a 'robust, coherent and complete' framework before submitting it to the legislative process. The proposed regulations target platforms serving Moroccan audiences or generating revenue from the country's advertising market. Such companies will face new obligations, including mandatory appointment of legal representatives within Morocco. Bensaid asserted this measure would overcome 'the legislative void that gives foreign digital platforms freedom to work without effective surveillance.' It would also provide 'a practical mechanism for activating censorship and sanctions in cases of violations or lack of cooperation with national authorities.' According to a previous ministerial study, nearly 80% of information presented as exclusive on these platforms proves to be false, misleading, or manipulated. This statistic shows the urgency of intervention in a country where internet penetration has reached 91% among urban residents—a substantial jump from 76% in 2023. Moroccans now spend daily hours online, with 43% of young Moroccans aged 18-29 devoting between three and five hours daily to social media platforms, according to a 2024 study by OpinionWay Maroc and Saga Communication. HACA gains unprecedented powers in digital sphere The cornerstone of Morocco's digital regulation strategy involves dramatically expanding the authority of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA). This institution will transition from a traditional media regulator to a powerful digital watchdog with expansive jurisdiction over the online space. 'We are working to extend HACA's competencies to allow it to regulate this domain according to a perspective combining freedom of expression, protection of the public, and digital justice,' Bensaid stated. The minister added that 'maximum priority' would be given to 'the state's role in protecting the public from negative effects of digital content.' Among the key elements of this initiative, Bensaid pinpointed 'a precise definition' of 'digital platform' services or online content-sharing platforms (social networks), as well as subjecting providers to 'clearly articulated legal obligations' aimed at structuring the relationship between the state and digital actors. The expanded powers will enable HACA to monitor platforms even without a physical presence in Morocco. The regulator can demand periodic reports on content moderation policies, complaint handling mechanisms, and statistics on removed content. HACA will also gain authority to order content removal or restriction, particularly for material promoting violence, terrorism, racial or religious discrimination, or spreading misinformation. 'This is an essential step to overcome regulatory barriers regarding sovereignty and ensure that international digital actors are held accountable and controlled,' Bensaid told lawmakers. This initiative will draw heavily on international experience, particularly the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into force in 2023. The minister called it 'one of the most advanced texts globally' for online services regulation. The European framework imposes strict obligations regarding transparency, combating illegal content, and ensuring user safety, especially for minors. Notably, this is not the first time Morocco has considered expanding HACA's authority to digital platforms. In 2019, then-Minister of Culture Mohamed Laâraj supported the idea of extending the regulator's powers to cover online content, advocating for its development within an appropriate legal framework. However, that initiative never progressed beyond preliminary discussions and did not advance to the Secretariat General of the Government. Platforms face strict content and financial obligations Digital platforms will confront stringent new requirements under the proposed legislation. They must implement 'efficient content moderation systems' using algorithms that automatically detect problematic material. These automated tools must identify and address content related to violence, hate speech, false information, and inappropriate material targeting minors. 'Digital platforms will be required to counter false information immediately,' Bensaid explained. This applies especially to content 'inciting violence, terrorism, racial or religious discrimination.' Platforms must establish transparent reporting mechanisms for swift response to complaints. The minister noted this would promote 'preventive responsibility' by enabling platforms to 'intervene before situations escalate.' For child protection, the legislation mandates age-appropriate content classification, parental control activation, and prohibition of advertising exploiting children's vulnerability. 'Platforms must take measures to protect young users from harmful or inappropriate content,' Bensaid said. This includes 'categorization by age group, activation of parental control tools, banning advertisements that exploit minors' vulnerability or promote harmful products, and removing any content that could harm psychological or behavioral development.' Financial transparency requirements form another crucial element of the framework. Platforms generating advertising revenue in Morocco must 'respect fiscal transparency, collaborate with financial authorities, and potentially submit to financial restrictions in case of violations,' according to the minister. These companies will need to cooperate with the General Tax Administration, Bank Al-Maghrib, and the Exchange Office to ensure compliance with Moroccan financial regulations. Growing government concern over digital 'anarchy' The new legislation reflects mounting official anxiety about unregulated online content. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has repeatedly voiced concern about social media's impact on Morocco's institutions and society. In December 2024, Ouahbi warned that social media, particularly Facebook, posed 'a serious threat to judicial independence.' He criticized individuals, including former judges turned lawyers, who publicly challenge court decisions on these platforms. 'We cannot allow chaos to continue. If necessary, we stop the caravan, discipline the dogs, and then resume our path,' Ouahbi stated, rejecting the trend of labeling officials as corrupt without evidence. Earlier, in September 2024, Ouahbi announced plans to introduce strict penalties in the penal code for social media misconduct. 'We are going to put an end to what is happening on TikTok and YouTube, such as filming people's private lives without their permission,' he declared during a television interview. 'Human dignity and private life are sacred and inviolable,' the justice minister asserted, questioning individuals' right to photograph or film others without consent. These concerns come at a time when Moroccans are consuming more media than ever before. According to Kantar's latest Africascope Maghreb 2024 study, urban Moroccans devote 5 hours and 46 minutes daily to media: 2 hours and 57 minutes watching television, 2 hours and 17 minutes online, and 32 minutes tuned to radio. Social media dominates online activity, with Facebook leading at 84% daily usage, followed by WhatsApp at 70%, and Instagram at 60%. The government's initiative represents Morocco's entry into the global movement toward digital sovereignty, joining countries worldwide seeking to assert control over their digital spaces. If adopted, these regulations would fundamentally transform the relationship between Moroccan authorities, international tech giants, and the millions of Moroccans who increasingly live their lives online. Many civil society organizations, however, have voiced alarm over the potential implications for digital freedoms, cautioning that the proposed framework may offer legal cover for expanding state censorship and surveillance. The vague language around 'protecting social values' is seen by critics as a Trojan horse for censorship—a velvet glove concealing a fist—capable of weaponizing morality to stifle dissent and sweep away legitimate political expression under the guise of public interest.
Ya Biladi
15-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco eyes expansion of audiovisual regulator's role to tackle online content
During a meeting of the Education, Culture, and Communication Committee in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, called for a comprehensive legal framework to curb the harmful effects of digital platforms. Addressing the proposed expansion of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication's (HACA) powers to include oversight of social media, he stressed the state's responsibility to shield young audiences from the dangers of online content and major tech companies (GAFA: Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon), drawing on international best practices. According to Bensaid, this framework would empower HACA to oversee digital platforms operating in Morocco, even if they lack a physical presence, as long as their content targets Moroccan users or generates revenue from them. The framework would also require platforms to appoint a legal representative and submit regular reports detailing content moderation practices, complaint handling procedures, and statistics on removed or controversial content. Bensaid highlighted the need for a clear definition of what constitutes a digital platform or content-sharing service (such as social media), to subject them to specific legal obligations and better define their relationship with the state. The proposed legislation would mandate the appointment of a legal representative within Moroccan territory, addressing the current legal void that allows foreign platforms to operate without proper oversight. The framework would also introduce a sanction system for non-compliance or lack of cooperation with Moroccan authorities, and require platforms to implement effective content moderation mechanisms. These would include automated systems—algorithms designed to detect and remove illegal content, including violent messages, hate speech, disinformation, and content targeting minors. When it comes to young users, Bensaid said the law would require platforms to take concrete steps to protect minors from harmful or inappropriate content. These include age-based content categorization, the activation of parental controls, bans on ads exploiting minors' vulnerabilities or promoting harmful products, and the removal of content that could damage their psychological or behavioral development. The proposed legal framework would also compel platforms to take swift action against misinformation and illegal content—especially in cases involving incitement to violence, terrorism, or racial, ethnic, or religious hatred. Platforms would be expected to remove such content and cooperate with Moroccan authorities in enforcing HACA's content restriction or blocking decisions. The idea of expanding HACA's regulatory powers to digital content was first raised in 2019, when then-Minister of Culture Mohamed Laaraj supported the move, calling for it to be embedded in an appropriate legal framework. At the time, HACA's public interventions focused on combating online misinformation through media education rather than direct regulation. Discussions back then largely concerned press outlets and audiovisual media governed by the Press Code or Law 77.03, emphasizing their educational role, political plurality, and responsibility in ensuring accurate information. However, the proposal did not move forward, and no bill emerged from the process that satisfied the General Secretariat of the Government (SGG). Sources told Yabiladi at the time that discussions were underway regarding extending HACA's oversight to internet platforms, but they remained at the conceptual stage. Now, Bensaid is advocating for a new legal instrument—one aligned with European digital services legislation—aimed at removing regulatory loopholes and asserting digital sovereignty. He sees these measures as crucial for holding global tech giants accountable and ensuring that they operate under Moroccan jurisdiction.
Morocco World
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
HACA Pushes for Ethical, More Balanced Portrayal of Women in Moroccan News Media
Rabat – Morocco's High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) has taken a new step toward subverting outdated portrayals of women in news content. On April 29, the institution released a short awareness video on the representation of women in Moroccan news, exploring issues of civic equality and democratic inclusion that still stubbornly persist. Presented during a workshop in Rabat, the video forms part of HACA's broader effort to reshape the way women appear across TV, radio, and other online platforms in Morocco. More than just a campaign, the initiative poses an urgent question: Why do Moroccan newsrooms still struggle to fully embrace the country's diverse female voices? The event brought together a wide mix of actors and stakeholders, from members of HACA's governing council to parliamentarians, human rights advocates, government officials, and editors from public and private broadcasters. Journalists sat next to civil society activists and digital specialists to ponder the same problem: how to break the persistent patterns that either erase women from the news or box them into reductive, symbolic roles. Those around the table agreed: news is not neutral. When women appear less often, or only in limited contexts, the media helps reinforce outdated norms. That silence carries consequences, not just for individual women, but for democratic life as a whole. A free pass cannot fully serve its public if it does not reflect it. Time to change who tells the news In his opening remarks, HACA Director General Benaissa Asloun invited participants to think about how the media shapes public thinking. He pointed out that small shifts in editorial decisions could lead to broader change, especially as Morocco continues its debate over reforming the Family Code. HACA President Latifa Akharbach provided more concrete evidence. Drawing on the institution's participation in the Global Media Monitoring Project, she shared data that exposed deep imbalances in who appears on screen and how stories are framed. She noted that women's voices often disappear in stories of political and economic relevance, while men continue to dominate expert commentary. For Akharbach, the new video is part of a long-term strategy to ground media regulation in human rights. By circulating the video on social media, HACA hopes to reach audiences beyond formal institutions and invite the public to take part in rethinking the role of women in media. The conversations at the workshop did not aim to assign blame but to build common ground. Everyone present recognized that more inclusive reporting does not come from checklists of slogans, but begins with awareness, intention, and a willingness to listen. Still no women at the top A 2025 study led by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism and Oxford University notes a persistent gender imbalance at the highest levels of news leadership. Analyzing 240 major news outlets, online and offline, across 12 countries on five continents, researchers found that only 27% of the 171 top editors are women. This stands in sharp contrast to the broader workforce, where women make up roughly 40% of journalists. Even among newly appointed editors in 2024 and 2025, women accounted for just 27%, a marginal increase from the 24% reported in 2024. The findings point to the disheartening global trend that men continue to dominate editorial leadership, even in countries where women represent the majority of working journalists. Representation varies widely, from a meager 7% in South Korea to a relatively higher 46% in the UK. The research underlines entrenched dynamics within the media industry itself, where internal structures and career progression paths remain largely unyielding to gender parity. Despite years of data, debate, and awareness campaigns, the leadership gap remains stubbornly wide. The question is no longer whether women belong in top editorial roles, but when the industry will finally act on what it already knows. How much longer must these conversations circle before real structural change takes root, and when will women's inclusion stop being a goal and start becoming a norm?
