ICTA, IBA and NCC Urge Vigilance on Social Media Amid Mauritius Unrest

Three of Mauritius's most prominent regulatory authorities — the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA), the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), and the National Consumer Council (NCC) — have issued a joint public statement calling for vigilance and responsibility in the use of social media and traditional media platforms. The appeal comes against the backdrop of widespread civil unrest that has swept parts of the island, during which social media has played a significant role in the rapid spread of information — and, authorities warn, misinformation. **Who are ICTA, IBA and NCC?** The **ICTA** (Information and Communication Technologies Authority) is the government body responsible for regulating telecommunications and internet services in Mauritius. The **IBA** (Independent Broadcasting Authority) oversees radio and television broadcasters, ensuring they comply with broadcasting standards. The **NCC** (National Consumer Council) protects the rights and interests of consumers across all sectors, including digital services. Though each body has a distinct mandate, their joint statement signals a coordinated, cross-institutional concern about the information environment during the current crisis. **What is the concern?** During periods of civil unrest, unverified videos, rumours, and inflammatory content can spread rapidly across platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp — which are widely used in Mauritius. Authorities are concerned that such content can escalate tensions, incite further disorder, and undermine public safety. The three bodies are calling on both media professionals and ordinary members of the public to verify information before sharing it, to avoid spreading content that could inflame the situation, and to act within the bounds of Mauritian law when publishing or sharing material online. **What this means** For everyday users, this is a reminder that sharing unverified videos or inflammatory posts during a period of unrest can have legal consequences under Mauritian law, including provisions under the ICT Act. For broadcasters and online media, the IBA's involvement signals that editorial standards will be closely monitored during this sensitive period. The joint nature of the statement — spanning telecommunications, broadcasting, and consumer protection — reflects how seriously authorities are treating the role of digital information in the current situation. Mauritius has seen significant unrest in recent days, with incidents of vandalism, vehicle fires, and disruption to public transport and schools reported across the island. Calm has since begun to return, but the authorities' message is clear: the information space must not become a further source of instability. Members of the public are encouraged to consult verified news sources and official government channels for accurate updates. Source: Le Defi Media