Few Basotho support government regulation of access to Internet and social media, Afrobarometer survey shows

Free speech

Only about one-third of Basotho support government regulation of access to the Internet and social media, according to a recent Afrobarometer survey.

A slim majority favour unrestricted access, which they believe helps users become more informed and active citizens.

The Lesotho Communications Authority has proposed new rules requiring social-media users to obtain an Internet broadcasting allowance if they have 100 or more followers or post material accessible to at least 100 Internet users in the country. Critics have slammed the proposed rules as a government attempt to regulate online speech.

Among Basotho who have heard of social media, a majority say the platform has both good and bad effects, though its overall impact is more widely seen as positive than negative.