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Rabat – The Moroccan Observatory of Digital Sovereignty (OMSN) has expressed grave concerns over the declining quality of digital content in Morocco, sounding an urgent call for responsible digital content creation and the strict enforcement of laws governing online activities.
While OMNS recognized the advantages of digital platforms, such as enhanced communication, the observatory said they have presented several challenges to many countries.
“These challenges include the misuse of users’ personal data, the spread of fake news, and content that contradicts societal values in many nations, thereby creating a state of chaos in these digital spaces,” said OMSN in a press release.
It said that this content not only poses a real threat to individuals’ health and psychological well-being but also jeopardizes the Moroccan identity and value system.
“While we believe in freedom of expression guaranteed by these platforms and our country, we are deeply concerned about the reality of the web in Morocco in terms of inappropriate content and shameful practices by individuals who consider themselves ‘influencers’ and whose sole objective is to gain material profits,” said OMSN President Mustapha Meloui.
In this respect, the Observatory called on the government, security authorities, and all civil society entities to join forces to address this issue and enforce laws against anyone “promoting content on digital platforms that harm the country’s reputation and violate its laws.”
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The OMSN proposed a set of measures to establish a “safe and healthy” digital environment.
The recommendations include conducting year-round media campaigns to raise awareness among users about the dangers of such content.
In addition, the observatory urged all Moroccan citizens to report harmful and offensive content and establish units to monitor and track these “malpractices.”
The statement also suggested Incorporating “Digital Education” into Moroccan curricula, starting from elementary education, to cultivate a generation with critical thinking capable of evaluating the information and various content they consume on digital platforms.
In addition, the observatory recommended enhancing training for journalists and digital content creators by including programs related to information verification and reinforcing ethics in journalism and media professions.
The statement concluded by urging Moroccan content creators to demonstrate a sense of responsibility and respect for the laws and societal values of Moroccan society.
The OMSN’s call comes against the backdrop of growing concern among Moroccans regarding the content created by several Moroccan YouTubers and influencers, which a significant portion of the population deems as inappropriate and potentially harmful.
