Carolina Flores, a leading researcher at the University of Cape Town, has raised concerns over Portugal's new social media policy, which aims to combat misinformation by requiring users to request access to platforms at their doorstep. The policy, known as Agora, was launched in Lisbon in April 2024, but Flores argues it fails to tackle the root causes of online disinformation, which have long been a challenge for African nations striving for digital inclusion and governance.
Portugal's Agora Policy: A New Approach or a Misstep?
The Agora initiative, introduced by Portugal’s Ministry of Digital Transition, requires users to physically visit a designated location to request access to social media platforms. The policy, which targets misinformation and online radicalization, was framed as a way to increase digital literacy and reduce the spread of harmful content. However, critics, including Flores, argue that the approach is outdated and ineffective in a digital-first world.
“This policy is a step backward,” Flores said in an interview with The African Development Review. “It assumes that people are not capable of discerning truth online, which is not the case in many African countries where digital literacy is improving rapidly.” She pointed to South Africa, where mobile internet penetration has reached 68% as of 2024, highlighting the need for more nuanced solutions.
How Agora Reflects Broader Continental Challenges
The Agora policy mirrors a growing trend in Europe to regulate online spaces more strictly. However, African countries face unique challenges, including limited digital infrastructure, low internet speeds, and high costs. These factors make policies like Agora, which require physical access, less relevant and more burdensome for users in developing regions.
“In Africa, the problem isn’t just misinformation—it’s access,” said Dr. Amina Jalloh, a digital governance expert at the African Union. “Policies that focus on control rather than empowerment risk deepening the digital divide.” She added that Africa’s development goals, outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, emphasize digital transformation and equitable access to technology.
Despite these concerns, the Agora policy has received support from some government officials in Portugal, who argue that it is a necessary measure to protect public discourse. However, Flores warns that such measures could set a dangerous precedent for other regions, including Africa, where similar policies might be adopted without proper context.
Impact on Digital Literacy and Governance
One of the key goals of Agora is to improve digital literacy by requiring users to engage with a physical service point before accessing social media. However, experts say this approach is not scalable for countries like Kenya, where over 45% of the population uses social media, and internet access is primarily mobile-based.
“If we want to build trust in digital platforms, we need to focus on education, not restriction,” said Marta, a tech entrepreneur based in Nairobi. “Africa is already making progress in this area, and policies like Agora risk undermining that.”
Meanwhile, the African Union has called for a more inclusive approach to digital governance. In a recent statement, the AU urged member states to prioritize infrastructure development and digital education rather than implementing restrictive measures.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
The Agora policy is set to be reviewed by the European Commission in early 2025, but its long-term impact on global digital governance remains uncertain. For African nations, the challenge lies in developing policies that balance online safety with digital freedom, ensuring that the continent remains a leader in the global digital economy.
As South Africa prepares to host the 2025 African Digital Governance Forum, the debate over policies like Agora will take center stage. The forum will provide a platform for African leaders, technologists, and civil society to discuss how to shape a digital future that is both secure and inclusive.
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Carolina Flores, a leading researcher at the University of Cape Town, has raised concerns over Portugal's new social media policy, which aims to combat misinformation by requiring users to request access to platforms at their doorstep.
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Portugal's Agora Policy: A New Approach or a Misstep?
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The policy, which targets misinformation and online radicalization, was framed as a way to increase digital literacy and reduce the spread of harmful content.
