Guinea’s media regulator, the Haute Autorité de la Communication (HAC), has introduced new election coverage regulations for private broadcasters, including an explicit restriction on the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate information or candidates’ statements.
Under Decision N° 046/HAC/P/2026, signed on 6 November 2026 by HAC President Boubacar Yacine Diallo, broadcasters are prohibited from using AI irresponsibly to distort information or manipulate candidates’ statements. The provision establishes a direct regulatory obligation for licensed media organisations, marking a significant step towards addressing AI-related risks in political reporting and election coverage.
The decision applies to private radio and television stations, print and online media outlets, as well as accredited foreign press organisations covering Guinea’s regional elections on 29 November and senatorial elections scheduled for 20 December 2026.
The regional election campaign officially commenced at 23:59 on 9 November and will conclude at the same time on 26 November. During the campaign period, broadcasters must ensure equitable allocation of airtime and editorial coverage among candidates, provide comparable programming conditions and maintain identical advertising rates.
The regulations also prohibit the broadcast of songs, games, advertisements and satirical content that incite hatred or target individual candidates. In addition, a 48-hour campaign blackout will apply before each election, restricting political propaganda immediately ahead of voting.
The HAC has also outlined strict enforcement measures, granting itself authority to suspend individual programmes or entire media outlets as a precautionary measure in cases of serious violations, particularly during interactive broadcasts.
Phone-in programmes and live audience discussions will face particular scrutiny, with presenters expected to exercise effective editorial control over discussions and contributions from participants. This places greater responsibility on broadcasters to prevent inflammatory statements, misinformation and other content that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
By explicitly addressing AI manipulation alongside traditional election reporting requirements, Guinea’s latest regulatory decision introduces a more direct approach to managing emerging technology risks in political communication. It also signals growing expectations for African broadcasters to strengthen editorial accountability and responsible AI practices during sensitive electoral periods.
