Politics

Gabon Lifts Eight-Month Social Media Ban

BBC · 5 hours ago · Read the Full Story on BBC
Gabon Lifts Eight-Month Social Media Ban
AI SUMMARY

Gabon has lifted an eight-month ban on social media platforms that had been implemented following widespread protests and criticism.

  • Gabon lifted an eight-month social media ban that had sparked widespread protests and criticism.
  • The government originally imposed the restrictions last February, citing concerns that online content was exacerbating conflict and deepening divisions.
  • Gabon has a population of approximately 2.5 million people.
  • Platforms affected by the ban included Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
  • Following the ban, many citizens used VPN services to bypass restrictions and access social media.
  • The ban was enacted amid social unrest and strikes by teachers and government employees citing low wages and poor working conditions.
  • Opposition parties criticized the social media ban as an abuse of power.