Government moves to strengthen online safety through identity verification initiative

A committee was set up at the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation (MITCI) yesterday under the chairmanship of the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr Avinash Ramtohul, to spearhead the development of a framework for the verification of identities on social media platforms.

The committee will oversee a broad national consultation process, review international best practices, assess the legal and technological implications as well as formulate recommendations for the implementation of an identity verification mechanism adapted to the Mauritian context.

As part of this initiative, MITCI will, in the coming weeks, launch a wide-ranging national consultation exercise involving key stakeholders. The initiative follows the decision announced by Cabinet on 5 June 2026, and forms part of the Government's broader commitment to fostering a safer, more responsible and trusted digital environment for all Mauritians.

Minister Ramtohul highlighted that while social media plays a vital role in communication, education, business and civic engagement, it is increasingly being misused for misinformation, fraud, abuse and criminal activities. He stressed the need for a national dialogue on strengthening citizen protection online while maintaining an open and accessible internet.

The proposed consultations aim to address several pressing concerns, including the spread of false and misleading information, identity theft and impersonation, online defamation, hate speech, cyberbullying, scams and fraud, child exploitation material and other forms of illegal content circulating online.
Online scams currently represent one of the most serious digital threats facing the country. Many of these scams are facilitated through fake or anonymous profiles and sophisticated social engineering techniques designed to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information or transferring money.
The Minister noted that around 2,300 cases of online abuse and cyber-related incidents have been reported since January 2026, warning that the actual number is likely much higher due to underreporting. Dr Ramtohul emphasised the significant human and financial impact of these offences and the need for action.

The consultation process will be inclusive and participatory, bringing together representatives from Government, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, academia, the private sector, youth organisations, digital rights advocates, cybersecurity experts and other relevant stakeholders. The aim is to ensure that the proposed framework strikes the right balance between online safety, freedom of expression, privacy rights and digital innovation.
The initiative is not intended to limit legitimate online expression but to explore ways of strengthening accountability, trust and user protection in the digital space. Upcoming consultations will review international experiences with identity verification and digital identity frameworks, with the broader aim of supporting Mauritius' digital transformation through a safer, more secure and trusted online environment.

09 June 2026

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Topics: Technology