Algeria proposes law to regulate global social media

ALGIERS, Algeria (MNTV) — Algeria’s parliament is reviewing a draft law aimed at imposing stricter oversight on major digital platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, as part of a broader effort to regulate online content and enhance data protection.

The legislation, introduced by lawmaker Bouhali Abdelbasset, would require platforms with more than one million users or a certain revenue threshold to establish local offices, appoint legal representatives, and store user data within Algeria or in certified data centers.

Under the proposed framework, companies would be mandated to remove illegal or harmful content within 24 hours of official notification and submit compliance reports twice a year. Failure to comply could result in fines, service restrictions, or legal action.

Officials say the bill is centered on three main objectives — protecting minors from inappropriate material, preserving Algeria’s social and religious values, and asserting the nation’s digital sovereignty. It also includes provisions for establishing a National Authority for Digital Space Regulation, which would operate under the Presidency to oversee enforcement.

The proposal reflects growing concerns over the social and political impact of online platforms in Algeria, where internet usage has surged to 36.2 million users — representing nearly 77 percent of the population — as of early 2025. 

The rise of social media influencers and exposure to extremist or culturally sensitive content has intensified calls for stronger regulation.

If approved, the law could significantly reshape Algeria’s digital environment by holding international tech firms accountable and promoting the development of locally compliant digital ecosystems.