Laws restricting disinformation in Sub-Saharan Africa: the state of play in 2023

The report analyzes laws restricting disinformation in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting concerns that many of these laws threaten human rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression. While addressing the harms of disinformation is important, the report reveals that current legislative approaches often conflict with international human rights standards. These laws tend to suppress legitimate speech and have broader negative effects on freedoms like association and assembly. The report outlines three key themes regarding these restrictions, offering a critical view of the impact on human rights across the region.