Digital technologies have emerged as the most commonly used channel of information in Morocco over the past few years. An increasing number of children and teenagers own a smartphone or a tablet and can now access the internet from anywhere. They mainly use it for entertainment and communication, but also for shaping their own opinions. Besides the great opportunities for expression, education and participation, there are significant risks for children and teenagers as well. These range from personal data stealing, online violence and sexual harassment to various forms of online fraud. Children and teenagers are a prime target for internet criminals. Furthermore, women also face various levels of digital abuse and attacks, ranging from cyberbullying through sexist and offensive comments to threats of sexual or physical violence online.
Since the promulgation, on February 18th, 2009, of the Law no. 09-08 relating to the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and the official setting up, on August 31st, 2010, of the CNDP ("Commission Nationale de contrôle de la protection des Données à caractère Personnel"), the CNDP has achieved many actions aiming at the reinforcement and the promotion of the culture of privacy protection and of the freedoms and the fundamental rights of individuals. In fact, the law's objective is set by the first article of the Law no. 09-08: "Information technology is at the service of the citizen and evolves in the framework of international cooperation. It must not affect the identity, collective or individual rights and freedoms of Man. It must not constitute a means of revealing the secrets of private life...". The role of the CNDP is further strengthened by the new Constitution of the Kingdom adopted in July 2011, which provides in Article 24 that: "Everyone has the right to the protection of his or her private life...".
