Tiktok in Gabon: authorities suspend 4,352 accounts amid regulatory talks

After months of negotiations over social media oversight, Gabon and TikTok have opted for a collaborative approach. On the sidelines of the AI for Good / WSIS Global Summit held from July 7 to 11 in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation Mark-Alexandre Doumba convened with regional leaders of the platform to assess compliance with Gabon’s updated digital regulations.

Stricter oversight and user protection take center stage

This technical meeting follows Gabon’s intensified efforts to regulate digital platforms. Discussions centered on social media governance, user protection—particularly for minors—and TikTok’s commitments to align with Gabon’s new legal framework.

Platform reports significant progress in content moderation

Led by Emir Gelen, TikTok’s Regional Director for Government Relations covering the Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, alongside Deputy Director Maria Cohn, the delegation presented a first-quarter 2026 moderation report. The platform disclosed removing 23,504 sensitive posts, including:

• 13,930 pieces of content harmful to minors’ safety and well-being
• 10,784 posts related to regulated goods, services or activities

The majority of removals targeted sexualized content and material involving abuse or exploitation of minors.

TikTok highlights enhanced safeguards

The company emphasized substantial improvements to its moderation systems, claiming 99.8% of violating content was removed before user reports, with 92.9% identified prior to any view. Additionally, 97.2% of flagged content was taken down within 48 hours, and 4,352 accounts were permanently banned during this period.

Gabon and TikTok agree on 12-month compliance roadmap

Following the discussions, authorities and TikTok formalized a year-long partnership to ensure ongoing adherence to Gabon’s social media regulations, as outlined in the national decree governing digital platforms.

Minister Doumba underscored the importance of balancing digital innovation with citizen protection, stressing the government’s commitment to combating misinformation, cyberbullying, hate speech and other threats to youth mental health.

The meeting reaffirmed Gabon’s determination to engage constructively with major digital platforms, aiming to enforce national laws while fostering a safer, more responsible online environment for all users.