The government is discussing a draft law aimed at preventing the exploitation of children and the elderly on social media platforms. This comes in light of the existing legal vacuum, as the criminal code is currently the only regulatory framework governing this area.
Mohamed Mehdi Bennadi, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, emphasized during a session of oral questions in the House of Representatives today that this responsibility is collective and involves various government sectors. He highlighted the ministry’s participation in a campaign to raise awareness through youth centers, in collaboration with the National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data, to increase families’ and youth’s awareness of the dangers of this phenomenon to society.
The minister announced that the ministry is working on expanding the network of cultural and artistic facilities across different regions of the kingdom, with the goal of bringing culture closer to citizens and enhancing local policies, alongside supporting artists and creators while promoting cultural and artistic products.
Bennadi pointed out that the ministry supports heritage festivals, particularly in rural areas and small to medium-sized cities, and facilitates youth access to cultural and artistic training. He noted the role of music institutes in this field, as well as support for active cultural associations, music and art production, and care for the national manuscript heritage.
The minister affirmed the government’s commitment to preserving intangible cultural heritage by approving a specific law and signing agreements to enhance and promote it.
Regarding the cultural sector’s contribution to the national economy, Bennadi explained that the cultural industry contributed between 2.7% and 4% of the gross domestic product in 2022, equivalent to 35 billion dirhams, noting that the film industry alone contributed 1.5 billion dirhams.
The minister highlighted the importance of the video game industry, which is valued globally at over 300 billion dollars, and is expected to reach 500 billion dollars by 2033. He emphasized that Morocco aspires to attract 1% of this market.
He underscored the significance of training in this field, mentioning agreements signed with the Ministry of Higher Education and the National Office for Vocational Training, in addition to collaboration with prestigious international schools in France, framed by partnership agreements signed in the presence of King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Bennadi regarded the electronics industry as encompassing more than just game development; it also includes vital sectors like healthcare, transportation, and security, stressing that investing in youth training represents a strategic lever to enhance Morocco’s positioning in this promising market.
