- More than three-fourths (78%) of Moroccans say the media should “constantly investigate and report on government mistakes and corruption” (Figure 1).
- But fewer than half (45%) insist on media freedom, while 55% endorse the government’s right to prevent the publication of things it disapproves of (Figure 2).
- Among Moroccans who have heard of social media, majorities say it makes people more informed about current events (96%) and helps them have more impact on political processes (64%), but also makes them more likely to believe false news (85%) (Figure 3).
- A majority (57%) of Moroccans say unrestricted access to the Internet and social media should be protected (Figure 4).
Most Moroccans want a media that helps them hold the government accountable, the latest Afrobarometer survey shows.
But a majority also believe that the government should be able to prevent the media from publishing things it disapproves of.
Moroccans see social media as having both positive and negative effects on society, helping create better-informed and more effective citizens but also making people more likely to believe false news. Despite their mixed feelings, Moroccans say unrestricted access to the Internet and social media should be protected.
The 2021 World Press Freedom Index ranks Morocco’s media among the least free in the world (136th out of 180 countries). Similarly, Freedom House (2021) rates Morocco only “partly free” in terms of Internet freedom.
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