Mauritania wants to switch off social media algorithms for minors 🇲🇷📱

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Mauritania is preparing to join the growing list of countries pushing platforms to follow stricter rules for young users.

The plan was presented to the Council of Ministers, the country’s cabinet, on 16 September. It would set 16 as the threshold for accessing social media, with parental authorization required below that age, according to RFI. But this isn’t just an age limit. The plan also goes after several platform features that, authorities say, heighten minors’ exposure to online risks.

Features in the crosshairs ⚙️

Among the measures under consideration is switching off recommendation algorithms for underage users. These are the systems that decide what each person sees next. The government also wants to end infinite scroll and video autoplay by default.

The plan would also ban targeted advertising aimed at teenagers and block messages from strangers. Limits on live streaming and night-time use are also being considered.

Beyond these technical restrictions, authorities say they will roll out awareness campaigns, plus a system to report risks and support children facing threats online.

A trend spreading across Africa 🌍

Mauritania isn’t alone. In Gabon, an ordinance adopted in February 2026 set the digital age of majority at 16. In practice, that bars under-16s from opening accounts on social media and other platforms, with some exceptions for educational, cultural or scientific services. Platforms have twelve months to put age-verification tools in place for new sign-ups, according to We Are Tech Africa.

Rwanda is working on similar rules, while Senegal and Nigeria are studying options on age limits, identity checks and platform accountability.

Child safety moves up the policy agenda 🛡️

This wave fits into a broader effort at the continental level. The African Union, which adopted a Child Online Safety and Empowerment Policy in 2024, is urging member states to strengthen child protection through better data protection, digital education and support systems.

For Mauritania, the main challenge now is turning these intentions into technical and legal tools that actually work. A committee bringing together several ministries, along with the bodies in charge of civil registration and data protection, is tasked with working out how the rules would be enforced.

Would a minimum age of 16 effectively protect minors online? Let us know in the comments.