The electoral system in Morocco now introduces new rules criminalizing practices that undermine the proper conduct of the national vote, which will renew all 395 seats in the Lower House.
The new provisions target the use of digital technologies to disseminate a person’s statements or images without their consent, as well as to publish or share fake news, false allegations or falsified documents to breach the privacy of voters or candidates or defame them.
The provisions of Article 51-bis also penalize the dissemination of rumors or fake news that cast doubt on the credibility and transparency of elections.
These measures come amid the rapid development of digital technologies and AI tools, which have contributed to the increased spread of fake news and falsified content.
The new provision aims to protect Morocco’s democratic process from manipulation and the circulation of misleading digital content during elections amid changes in the digital landscape.
Meanwhile, the rules seek to balance freedom of speech, guaranteed by the Constitution, with legal responsibility online while protecting voters’ and candidates’ privacy from defamatory use of their statements or images.
The provisions also require an intention to harm or unlawfully influence the electoral process, thereby excluding cases in which such intent has not been established.
The penalties under Article 51-bis range from two to five years in prison and a fine of MAD 50,000 to 100,000, with the severity of the penalties determined by the seriousness of the acts committed.
The new provision is intended to address the growing complexity of cybercrime, increasing violations of privacy, digital blackmail and the spread of rumors.
It is also expected to help reduce the spread of false information and harmful practices, strengthen citizens’ confidence in the transparency of elections and the independence of their choices, deter misleading digital campaigns and falsified content.