Cape Verde AG Urges Social Media Restrictions for Minors
Cape Verde’s Attorney General, Luís Landim, is calling for urgent restrictions on minors’ access to social media, framing the move as a critical step in shielding children from sexual exploitation and online predators.
Following a Global Trend
Speaking in Praia during a specialist training session on digital crimes, Landim emphasized that the archipelago must adapt to the evolving landscape of online threats. “There is no doubt that this is a good practice; it is no coincidence that more developed countries are already implementing such measures,” Landim stated.
The Attorney General argued that as Cape Verde becomes increasingly connected to global digital influences—both positive and negative—the government must act decisively. “We must follow suit. This is one of the forms of crime prevention that must be taken into account,” he declared.
Legislation on the Horizon
While specific details of the proposed restrictions have not yet been released, Landim suggested that the legal framework is already under development. “I believe the matter is already being considered and that, probably, we will have news on this soon,” he added. He stressed that whether the initiative originates from Parliament or the government, the priority is speed. “This must be done with the urgency that the situation demands.”
A Call for Nuanced Debate
While the top prosecutor is pushing for rapid action, international partners are advising a more measured approach. David Matern, the UNICEF representative in Cape Verde, suggested that a broad public consultation is necessary before any bans or limits are enforced.
“There are great advantages, but also disadvantages [to social media access],” Matern noted. “It is a debate we need to have, listening to the pros and cons. It is not the time to say yet whether this is a measure Cape Verde definitely needs to take.”
Combating Crime in the Digital Age
The call for regulation came during a high-level training seminar titled “Investigation of Sexual Crimes Committed in Digital Environments,” organized by the Attorney General’s Office in collaboration with UNICEF.
The event, which runs through Friday, brings together a broad coalition of public prosecutors, judges, criminal police agencies, and international specialists. Running concurrently with the digital crime workshop, the delegates are also addressing the investigation of tax crimes and related financial offenses, signaling a broader push by Cape Verdean authorities to modernize their approach to complex, 21st-century criminal activity.
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