Digital Rights at a Glance
In Mauritania, the digital rights landscape is undergoing rapid change. The digitization of government is accelerating, driven by the growing adoption of mobile technologies and strong civic engagement. Nevertheless, the regulatory framework remains a mixed bag, caught between economic development, internet restrictions and outages, national security, and freedom of expression.
Key Commitments
Malabo Convention 🟢
Mauritania ratified the Malabo Convention in 2023. It thus became the 15th country to ratify the convention, which led to its entry into force throughout Africa on June 8, 2023, in accordance with Article 36.
Budapest Convention 🔴
Mauritania is not a party to the Budapest Convention.
Data Protection Law
Law No. 2017-020 of July 22, 2017, on the protection of personal data governs the collection, processing, storage, and use of personal data.
Existence of a Data Protection Authority 🟢
The 2017 Data Protection Act led to the creation of the Data Protection Authority (APD), which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of data protection regulations, ensuring compliance with them, and addressing violations.
Cybercrime Law
Law No. 2016-007 of January 20, 2016, on cybercrime defines and penalises offenses committed via computer networks and the Internet, such as fraud, unauthorised access to a system, and data breaches.
State of Play
The assessment of the digital landscape reveals significant progress. Infrastructure is improving thanks to the expansion of 4G and the gradual rollout of 5G. In addition, youth inclusion is advancing through programs focused on digital skills, employability, and entrepreneurship. Finally, the shift to digital services led by the National Agency for Population Registration and Secure Documents is simplifying administrative procedures for citizens with the launch of the Houwiyeti app for ordering and paying for documents remotely, the biometric National Identification Number (NNI), fraud-proof QR codes, and the deployment of mobile units in remote areas.
The legal framework is being modernised through Law No. 2017-020 on personal data, Law No. 2016-007 on cybercrime, and Law No. 2016-006 on the information society. At the same time, civil society, online media, and youth coalitions are actively mobilising against disinformation. Bodies such as the Regulatory Authority are also being established to oversee the sector.
However, significant challenges remain. Recurring mobile internet outages during times of political tension or during exams undermine freedom of information and the economy. Furthermore, laws such as Law No. 2021-021 on national symbols contain vague language that is sometimes used to restrict the press or punish critics. Finally, data protection remains limited in the face of the risk of leaks, while a significant digital divide persists between Nouakchott and rural areas.
Recommendations
1. Ensure uninterrupted access to the Internet: Prohibit blanket or targeted shutdowns of the mobile network by recognising them as disproportionate and contrary to international human rights commitments.
2. Reform the legislative framework: Revise the Cybercrime Law and related legislation to explicitly align penalties with international standards on freedom of expression and the protection of journalists.
3. Strengthen the Data Protection Authority: Grant regulatory bodies full operational independence and adequate resources to effectively protect citizens’ privacy.
4. Promote media and digital literacy: Institutionalize national programs on media literacy, fact-checking, and digital literacy to combat misinformation without resorting to censorship.
5. Strengthen multistakeholder dialogue : Systematically involve civil society, legal experts, and media professionals in the development of the country’s future digital policies.
Digitalise Youth partners who contributed to this section:
AfricTivistes CitizenLab Mauritania
À Ciel Ouvert
