The Executive has decided to take measures to block websites of an obscene nature. The preservation of public order and the fight against insecurity are the arguments put forward.
Without ambiguity, “It was decided during the Council of Ministers to take measures to block websites that disseminate and propagate images and videos of an obscene nature, which are likely to disturb public order and are contrary to good morals in daily life,” stated a communication issued during the weekly meeting of the Executive, yesterday, at the Iavoloha State Palace.
The decision, reported in a communication under the Presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic, adds: “It has been noted that the existence of these sites encourages the resurgence of various forms of delinquency linked to deviant behavior as well as insecurity within the country. The ministries and public bodies concerned will work in a coordinated manner to implement these measures.”
In the war it has declared against insecurity, the State has therefore also decided to take the battle to the digital terrain. This decision is clearly part of a more comprehensive approach to security, no longer limiting it solely to physical and territorial aspects. It now encompasses digital influences perceived as factors aggravating social tensions.
The Council of Ministers communiqué published yesterday, which is unusually brief, does not provide further details on the parameters for defining websites with obscene content or those contrary to public morals. Officials contacted conceded that they do not have concrete answers on the subject at this time.
Balance between security and freedoms
The Executive’s decision raises questions regarding the case of social networks or pages on social media that the authorities might consider as disseminating obscene content. This question is particularly pressing given that in an interview granted to a private media outlet in Fianarantsoa on June 15, O’Gascar Fenosoa Mandrindrarivony, Minister of Communication and Culture, mentioned that the State is considering a law to regulate social networks.
“Preserving Malagasy values, fighting against harassment, defamation, and disinformation” were the arguments highlighted by the government spokesperson. The question of social networks is also relevant because some policymakers often conflate websites, applications, and social media pages.
Furthermore, in the rhetoric of authorities and political actors, fake Facebook pages and accounts are often singled out as spreading content that risks disturbing public order. During his statement to the press yesterday evening, Police Controller General Jean Victor Tsaramonina, Director General of the National Police, denounced “fake accounts that aim to create a climate of psychosis.”
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-08 06:13:17 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/conseil-des-ministres-letat-part-la.html