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ICT Authority launches Public Consultation on the proposed amendments to the ICT Act for regulating the use and addressing the abuse and misuse of Social Media in Mauritius

Port Louis: In view of the numerous complaints concerning abusive and offensive content posted on social media platforms, received by the ICT Authority and other relevant agencies, the ICT Authority is launching a Public Consultation exercise to obtain the views of the public on this issue.

The Authority’s proposals are set out in a Public Consultation Paper. The consultation paper released on 14 April 2021 can be viewed on the ICT Authority’s website: www.icta.mu

The Authority’s proposed framework aims to tackle this issue in a more effective, efficient and timely manner. The paper describes this proposed framework by taking  into account the already existing function of the Authority as provided for in Section 18 (m) of the ICT Act 2001 (as amended). Under this function, the Authority has to take steps to regulate or curtail the harmful and illegal content on the Internet and other information and communication services. The Consultation Paper provides the details of the proposed framework in a comprehensive and transparent manner, both in terms of the legal amendments as well as the technical enforcement measures. As such the present Public Consultation exercise is a major milestone in an inclusive process adopted for the elaboration of the proposed amendments to the ICT Act for regulating the use and addressing the abuse and misuse of Social Media in Mauritius. Therefore inputs from the public at large and all other relevant stakeholders on the issues raised therein are being sought. Furthermore to facilitate this consultation process, questions have been asked for the public’s careful consideration. Notwithstanding this, members of the public are not confined to these questions and are encouraged to raise any issues pertinent to them. Stakeholders have been asked to substantiate their comments and submissions with their rationale, examples and also to come forward with alternative proposals.

14 April 2021