A new draft law before Algeria’s National People’s Assembly (APN) seeks to impose stringent controls on major digital platforms. The proposed legislation would place apps like TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram under direct legal oversight, enforcing rigorous compliance requirements within the country.
Local Offices and 24-Hour Content Removal
Introduced by MP Bouhali Abdelbasset, the bill mandates that “major platforms” establish local offices in Algeria, appoint legal representatives, and remove any deemed illicit content within 24 hours of official notification. It also requires storing Algerian users’ data on national soil or providing synchronized backup copies in approved local data centers. Affected platforms must submit semiannual reports to the relevant authority, detailing government content removal requests and compliance actions.
The framework would apply to apps exceeding one million monthly Algerian users or meeting a revenue threshold set by regulators.
Safeguarding Values and Protecting Minors
MP Bouhali justified the bill as a response to the unchecked spread of these platforms and their negative impacts on public values and security. The legislation focuses on three key pillars:
- Preserving religious and social values,
- Shielding children and adolescents from harmful content,
- Bolstering Algeria’s digital sovereignty.
The draft warns against the media dominance of these platforms, which could spread obscene material, incite violence, or promote immoral practices, thereby threatening societal norms.
Combating Cyberbullying and Data Misuse
The proposer highlighted the vulnerability of young users to cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and misleading propaganda. The bill would ban content violating public morals and require effective internal monitoring systems, strict age restrictions for adult material, and user-friendly parental controls.
Unregulated data storage and use by platforms raise further concerns, with the law aiming to prevent leaks exploited for commercial or illegal purposes.
Creation of a National Digital Regulation Authority
To enforce the legislation, the bill proposes establishing a National Digital Space Regulation Authority—an independent body under the Presidency. This entity would oversee implementation, issue application regulations, and coordinate with international organizations, enhancing state control over data collection and personal rights protection.
Sanctions and Global Benchmarks
The text outlines progressive administrative and financial penalties, including hefty fines, restrictions, service blocks, and potential criminal liability. Authorities could impose immediate measures, such as temporary service suspensions, in cases of severe threats to national security or public order.
Drawing from models in Turkey, India, and Germany, the MP views this as a balanced framework that harmonizes free expression with protections for values and security, while asserting state sovereignty in the global digital era.
