فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Amid the growing spread of fake and misleading news on social media platforms, Moroccan law enforces severe financial and criminal penalties on anyone who publishes, republishes, or promotes such false information, aiming to protect public order and social safety.
Article 72 of the Press and Publication Law stipulates penalties for anyone who knowingly publishes, broadcasts, or transmits false news or incorrect claims intended to harm public order or incite panic among the population. The fines range from 20,000 to 200,000 Moroccan dirhams and can reach up to 500,000 dirhams in aggravated cases involving incitement or glorification of certain crimes or affecting military morale. This prohibition applies to all means, including speeches, printed or electronic publications, and audiovisual media.
Additionally, under the Penal Code, Article 447-2 imposes imprisonment from one to three years and fines ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 dirhams on anyone who deliberately disseminates or distributes information or personal images without the consent of the owners, or publishes false claims intended to defame or harm others, including through information systems.
Morocco has also ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, strengthening its legal framework to combat digital crimes, including the spread of fake news.
Authorities emphasize that these laws target not only journalists but all individuals using social media platforms to spread false information. They call for verifying the accuracy of news before sharing and encourage digital responsibility to maintain social security.
Experts warn that the lack of a precise definition of “fake news” may lead to misuse of the law to suppress freedom of expression, highlighting the need for a careful balance between combating misinformation and protecting rights and freedoms.
These legal measures are part of Morocco’s efforts to keep pace with digital developments and ensure a safe and reliable information environment that protects citizens from misinformation and promotes a culture of digital responsibility.
