Public outcry in Mauritius as new social media proposal gives authorities access to private data

Mauritian citizens are worried about the plan which may give the government power to censor content deemed to be critical of the authorities, writes Khalil A Cassimally

People in Mauritius are wary that the move will give authorities undue power to snoop (SIPA/Shutterstock)

Authorities in Mauritius have made public a proposal to legalise eavesdropping on social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.

The move has sparked a public outcry in the country, and is seen by many citizens as the latest attempt by authorities to stifle freedom of expression.

Should the proposal progress to parliament and be amended into law, authorities could get access to sensitive data including usernames, passwords, credit card information as well as direct messages on Twitter and Instagram.