Morocco's Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, announced on July 25, 2026, that the government is introducing new provisions to the draft penal code to address the proliferation of misleading content online and offenses against public order. The announcement was made during a press conference in Rabat.
According to Ouahbi, the proposed amendments aim to strengthen the legal framework to combat fake news and digital misinformation, which he described as a growing threat to social stability. The minister stated that the new measures would include stricter penalties for spreading false information that could incite panic or harm public security.
The draft penal code, currently under review by the government, is expected to be submitted to parliament for debate in the coming months. Ouahbi emphasized that the reforms are part of a broader effort to modernize Morocco's legal system and align it with international standards on digital governance.
Critics have raised concerns about potential impacts on freedom of expression, but Ouahbi assured that the provisions would be carefully calibrated to avoid stifling legitimate speech. The minister highlighted that the goal is to protect citizens from harmful content while respecting fundamental rights.
This initiative follows a series of high-profile incidents in Morocco where fake news led to public unrest. The government has been working on the penal code reform since early 2025, with input from legal experts and civil society organizations.
