In response to a high-profile scandal, the Government of Equatorial Guinea has limited its citizens’ ability to download and share multimedia files on WhatsApp when using mobile data. The move is part of a broader effort to curb access to sensitive content on messaging platforms, following a government directive instructing telecommunications operators to control the spread of certain materials.
The restrictions come after a scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency. Engonga has been implicated in a controversy involving intimate encounters with the wives of several prominent figures. During an unannounced search of Engonga’s residence and office, officials from the Agency of National Financial Investigation (ANIF) reportedly uncovered CDs containing footage of his interactions with married women, some of whom were family members of high-ranking officials.
More than 400 videos have allegedly surfaced, reportedly featuring high-profile individuals, including Engonga’s brother’s wife, a cousin, a sister of President Teodoro Obiang, the wife of the Director General of Police, and spouses of various ministers. The videos, reportedly recorded with the consent of those involved, have leaked online, fueling widespread public outrage.
In a bid to contain the fallout, the government restricted multimedia sharing on WhatsApp for mobile data users, forcing citizens to rely on WiFi connections for photos, videos, and audio messaging. This decision has sparked public frustration, with critics arguing that the measure disproportionately affects ordinary citizens who depend on WhatsApp for work, education, and essential communication.
Local news outlet Ahora EG reported growing discontent, quoting one resident who questioned the need for nationwide restrictions: “Should an entire country pay for the actions of a few? This restriction feels disproportionate and punitive, especially for those who rely on these platforms for work and educational purposes.”
The platform also highlighted concerns over transparency, with citizens urging authorities to explain the basis for the restrictions and specify how long they will last. “In a world where digitalisation is essential, shutting down our platforms due to the actions of a few disrupts our daily lives and stifles communication,” another resident remarked.
The government has yet to issue a formal statement clarifying the duration and specifics of the WhatsApp restrictions, leaving many citizens concerned about the ongoing impact on their access to information and communication.