Authorities in Gabon have ordered the immediate suspension of major social media platforms across the country, accusing them of spreading false information and harmful content capable of destabilising public order.
The decision was announced on February 17, 2026, by the country’s media regulator, the High Authority for Communication (HAC). In a statement, the regulator said the suspension would remain in place “until further notice.”
Although the order did not publish an exhaustive list of affected platforms, access to Facebook, TikTok, and other widely used social media services was disrupted nationwide shortly after the announcement.
According to the regulator, the decision was taken in response to what it described as the growing circulation of “false information,” defamatory content, hate speech, cyberbullying, and the unauthorised disclosure of personal data online.
The HAC argued that such activities pose a threat to social cohesion, public order, and national stability. Authorities also suggested that existing content moderation efforts by platform owners were insufficient to curb abuses.
Officials maintained that the move does not amount to a violation of freedom of expression, stating that constitutional rights must be exercised within legal limits, particularly when national security and public order are at stake.
The suspension comes amid heightened political and social tension in the country, with recent reports of protests and labour unrest. Observers say governments in several countries have previously imposed similar restrictions during periods of instability, often sparking debate about the balance between security concerns and digital freedoms.
The shutdown is expected to significantly affect communication, small businesses, digital creators, and media outlets that rely on social platforms for outreach and information sharing. Many citizens use social media not only for social interaction but also for commerce, news consumption, and civic engagement.
In one of the most significant digital policy moves in Europe, France is preparing to ban children under the age of 15 from using social media starting September 1, 2026. The proposal, backed by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to protect young people from online harms ranging from excessive screen time to cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
The draft legislation will be formally submitted for legal review in early January 2026 before being debated in Parliament; a necessary step before it becomes law. But if approved, it would dramatically reshape how millions of French children interact with digital platforms.
France’s government says the ban is about protecting youth well-being in an era of pervasive digital content. Officials have cited several concerns:
Excessive Screen Time: Growing evidence suggests long hours on social media can disrupt sleep and reduce attention span.
Mental Health Risks: Social networking platforms have been linked to anxiety, self-esteem issues, and depression among teens.
Online Harms: Exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and addictive algorithms are among the specific dangers lawmakers want to curb.
President Macron and other supporters say that setting a minimum age will help ensure that children reach a level of maturity before being exposed to the complex social dynamics and pressures of online communities.
The draft bill includes two major changes:
Social Media Ban for Under-15s
Social media companies would be legally barred from allowing users under 15 to access their platforms. That means popular services like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and others could not open accounts for children below this age if the law is passed.
Expanded Mobile Phone Restrictions
France already bans mobile phones in primary and middle schools. The new law would extend that restriction into high schools, meaning older teens would also face limits on phone use during school hours.
The audiovisual and digital regulator, known as Arcom, would be responsible for enforcing the social media rules once they take effect.
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it has had a tremendous impact on the world of celebrities. Nigerian celebrities have not been left behind in the use of social media, with many of them leveraging it to connect with fans and promote their careers.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Nigerian celebrities are using social media, the upsides, and downsides of online fame, and how they can navigate the complexities of social media.
Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with each other, and it has no doubt had a significant impact on the world of celebrities, influencers, Artists, Actors and Actresses etc.
With platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, celebrities can now connect with fans around the world, share updates on their lives and careers, and even build their own personal brands.
In the past, celebrities relied on traditional media outlets like magazines and TV shows to promote their work and interact with fans. With social media, they can now communicate directly with fans in real-time, sharing updates and news about their lives, and engaging with fans in ways that were previously impossible.
Social media has also given celebrities the ability to build their own personal brands and establish themselves as influencers in their own right. By sharing their experiences and opinions on various topics, celebrities can develop a loyal following and use their platforms to promote products, brands and other ventures.
How Nigerian Celebrities are Using Social Media
Nigerian celebrities are no strangers to social media, and they are leveraging it in different ways to connect with fans and promote their work. From Instagram to Twitter/X, Facebook, and TikTok, Nigerian celebrities are using social media platforms to share their experiences, opinions, and interact with fans.
One of the most significant ways Nigerian celebrities are using social media is by building their personal brands. Many Nigerian celebrities have established themselves as influencers on social media by sharing their experiences and opinions on various topics, promoting products, and creating viral content that resonates with their audience.
Another way Nigerian celebrities are using social media is to give fans a glimpse into their lives. Many celebrities share photos and videos of their day-to-day activities, including their families, pets, and hobbies, which helps to humanize them and create a stronger bond with fans.
The Upsides of Social Media for Nigerian Celebrities
Social media has opened up new opportunities for Nigerian celebrities to connect with fans and promote their careers. By building their personal brands on social media, they can reach a wider audience, engage with fans directly, and promote their work in a more targeted way.
The way people interact through social media has given these celebrities the opportunity to engage their fans, build their career, and ultimately grow their fame.
One of the most notable impacts of social media on celebrity all over the world, Nigerian celebrities inclusive is the Media visibility. In the past, celebrities were often distant and inaccessible to their fans. In this light, social media has birthed a more direct and easy connection between celebrities and fans. It has also given opportunity to a new breed of “social media celebrities” who have achieved fame and influence through their online presence, often altering the lines between traditional fame and internet stardom.
Another important benefit of Social media to Nigerian celebrities is the rise of influencer marketing and brand partnerships online. Celebrities now have the opportunity to monetize their online fame by collaborating with brands as their ambassadors and promoting products directly to their followers. This has also blurred the lines between the regular traditional advertising as we know and personal endorsements for these celebrities.
Moreover, social media has given Nigerian celebrities the ability to control their narrative and manage their public image. With traditional media outlets, celebrities have limited control over how their stories are portrayed, but with social media, they can share their side of the story directly with fans.
The Downsides of Social Media for Nigerian Celebrities
However, social media has also created new challenges and risks for Nigerian celebrities. One of the most significant downsides is dealing with the constant scrutiny and criticism that comes with online fame. Nigerian celebrities are often the target of online hate and trolling, with fans and critics alike using social media to express their opinions and sometimes even attack their personal lives.
Moreover, social media can expose Nigerian celebrities to negative publicity and scandals. In some cases, Nigerian celebrities have made missteps on social media that have damaged their reputations or led to public backlash. It’s essential for Nigerian celebrities to be mindful of their social media presence and use their platforms responsibly.
We all agree the internet sometimes can make you feel seen, heard or give voice to the voiceless but with all that benefits comes the risk.
While it is easy to find your community or gain a platform, it is also easy to get destroyed. Stalkers and Hacker constantly monitoring to get every little details about your life or worst – Big Tech!
Tech companies tasked to keep you safe on the internet are looking for data to profit off you. The benefits of the internet or social media can be from being at the top of your class in school or being 6ft under – there are countless stories.
To keep yourself safe and protected online and offline, take your power to your hands. Read carefully and practice these 10 things you shouldn’t post on the internet.
1. Your home address
Either written or unwritten, it is a common knowledge that you shouldn’t doxx individuals on the internet. For you, that means do not post your home address. Be mindful of the pictures you take, conversations you have, whatever can make it easy for anyone to locate you avoid putting it on the internet.
2. Your current location
Same as the first, it is always advisable to “post where you’ve been and not where you are.” A lot of people ignorantly think this rule applies to those with ops but here’s a shocker we all have ops. Just like they say, better safe than sorry.
3. Full Government Issued ID
The boss level of individual data scrappers are your IDs, specifically those issued by the government. In Nigeria, if someone have your NIN or BVN it is very easy to ruin your life. I just can’t fathom all crimes that can be committed with your identity.
4. Passwords
When having conversations in DMs, you can be so moved by the conversation or individual and be compelled to handout your secret password – please don’t. These kinds of information need to be shared with extra layer of protection and keep in mind what I told you about government issued ID.
5. Flight Plans/Tickets
Be a Nigerian when it comes to this. Only tell people you’ve landed hours or days later. It can be a fun and exciting news to let people know you’re traveling from a Point A to Point B but this kind of information are better kept secrets. This also involves tickets, don’t post images or details of your tickets. When taken travel pictures be mindful the details you end up posting, screen twice of necessary.
6. Intimate Photos
Sadly, we live in a world of leaks; personal data or bedroom photos can easily be leaked as it is easy to share. Unless there’s 100% unbreakable trust it is always advised not to, for any reason share this category of photos.
This is obviously an advice and to all adults, you are capable of making your own decisionsas long as you’re aware of the risk. Please share to others!
