By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The Niger Republic junta has announced that social media groups with 50 or more members, such as WhatsApp and Facebook groups, will now need to obtain a government license to operate. This new move aims to regulate and control online platforms.
Sidi Mohamed Raliou, the Minister of Communication, Posts, and Digital Economy, confirmed on Monday that all groups of 50 members or more must register with the government to continue operating.
He explained, “All WhatsApp and Facebook groups with up to 50 members must register to be allowed to operate.”
Raliou also emphasized that social media platforms were being used for cyber attacks against the government. He added, “Facebook and WhatsApp groups provide users with a platform to sell products locally and globally.
This has created opportunities for individuals to run full-fledged e-commerce businesses directly through social media; hence the need for them to register for tax purposes
