Once seen as catalysts for democracy, social media are now in the crosshairs of the authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Faced with what he calls "manipulation" and "disinformation," President Félix Tshisekedi has mobilized his government to establish stricter control over the digital space.

A legislative arsenal to "clean up" the web

The Congolese government is concerned about the impact of digital platforms on national cohesion, particularly given the fragile security situation in the east of the country. The assessment is stark: social media has reportedly become a breeding ground for hate, insults, and fake news.

To address this, three ministers have been appointed to act on several fronts:

1. Justice and Digital Technology: Developing measures to guarantee an "ethical and rational" use of the internet.
2. Communication: Intensify awareness of the Digital Code , an existing law but whose application is still considered insufficient by the presidency.

Regulation or muzzling?

The plan is causing concern among media professionals and influencers. While the government assures that the measures will be "proportionate" and respectful of fundamental freedoms, the fear of disguised censorship lingers. Indeed, the line between combating disinformation and restricting political criticism is often thin.

A continental (and global) trend

The DRC's approach is part of a global trend towards stricter legislation regarding digital technology. The following table illustrates recent examples of restrictions on the African continent:

Country	Recent measure (Early 2026)	Impact observed
Uganda	Total internet shutdown during the January elections.	Communications have broken down despite promises from the government.
Gabon	YouTube, TikTok and WhatsApp banned in February.	Explosion in VPN usage (+25,000%).
DRC	Strengthening the application of the Digital Code.	Increased monitoring of so-called "offensive" content.

Note: This vigilance is not limited to Africa. In Europe, countries like France are also considering strict restrictions, including a ban on access to social networks for minors under 15, proving that "digital regulation" has become a matter of global sovereignty.