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Rabat – Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has announced forthcoming legislative measures to impose harsher penalties on sexual harassment, cyber blackmail, and defamation on social media platforms.
During the weekly oral question session at the House of Councillors on Tuesday, Ouahbi said that the new criminal code will significantly tighten the legal framework governing these offenses, SNRT News reported.
The minister emphasized the importance of distinguishing between freedom of expression on social media and what he described as “misuse” of these platforms.
The new criminal code aims to be more stringent against individuals exploiting these means for harassment, defamation, blackmail, and spreading false information, he added.
Earlier this year, Ouahbi indicated that the new criminal code was in its final stages and would cover various new crimes, while also abolishing outdated provisions.
Recent data from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) showed a significant rise in cyber blackmail and related digital crimes in Morocco.
Last year saw an 18% increase in sexual blackmail using information systems, with 508 cases reported and 182 individuals arrested. These crimes affected 515 victims, including 109 foreigners.
In addition, crimes associated with modern technology and cyber blackmail rose by 6%, with 5,969 cases recorded. The DGSN also noted 4,070 instances of extortionate content being detected.
Meanwhile, a recent report by the Moroccan Citizenship Center (CMC) revealed that one in three Moroccan women face sexual harassment on social media.
Conducted between January 1 and February 14 of this year, the survey included 1,201 participants. It found that social media is widely used in the country, with 96.7% of participants having a Facebook account.
However, it revealed that negative experiences are common, with 32.7% reported insults, 27.5% hate speech, and 8% sexual harassment.
The report called for stronger regulations, social media education, and national dialogues to promote responsible use and protect users.
