Morocco Tightens Privacy Laws: Social Media Violations Face Prison Time

Any defamatory act, caused by the publication of videos, photos or statements of third parties on social networks, will be punishable by sanctions according to the law in force. The sentences vary depending on the degree of the offense.

The disclosure of information held in camera or the publication of photos, by means of transmission, recording or distribution, will be punished by six months to three years in prison and a fine of 2,000 to 20,000 dirhams, in particular if the person concerned is not consenting.

False allegations made with the aim of defaming a person are also subject to criminal penalties. In the case of a relationship of authority over the victim, the penalties are increased, ranging from 5,000 dirhams to 50,000 dirhams in fines and from one to five years in prison.