Burkina faso: The Ministry of Secondary Education, Vocational and Technical Training, along with the Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties (CIL), issued a warning on Monday regarding the spread of images, videos, and misinformation related to the ongoing patriotic immersion program. They have urged students and internet users to exercise greater responsibility.
According to Burkina Information Agency, a joint statement highlighted that numerous contents on social media and digital platforms show students involved in various scenarios, often paired with misinformation aimed at discrediting the initiative and its leaders. Such practices may lead to violations of image rights, breaches of personal data, or offenses related to spreading false news, which are punishable under the penal code and the personal data protection law.
The statement also emphasized that students are prohibited from possessing mobile phones during the patriotic immersion period, as stipulated by interministerial decree no. 2025-00066, which outlines the guidelines for this civic training.
The Ministry and CIL have called on students, trainers, and digital users to act responsibly and with discipline to uphold the objectives of the patriotic immersion. This initiative is designed to foster civic-mindedness, solidarity, and integrity among the youth of Burkina Faso.