Guinea's media regulator has introduced new election coverage rules that bar broadcasters from using artificial intelligence to distort information or manipulate candidates' statements, ahead of regional elections on 29 November and senatorial elections on 20 December 2026.

The rules were issued by the Haute Autorite de la Communication (HAC) under Decision No. 046/HAC/P/2026, signed on 6 November by its president, Boubacar Yacine Diallo, and published on 9 November.

What the rules cover

The decision applies to private radio and television stations, print and online media, and accredited foreign press organisations covering the two elections. Alongside the AI restriction, it prohibits the broadcast of songs, games, advertisements and satirical content that incite hatred or target individual candidates, and it imposes a 48-hour blackout on political propaganda before each vote.

The regulator warned against the uncontrolled and irresponsible use of artificial intelligence to manipulate information or candidates' remarks, and called for vigilance against the viral spread of false information that could threaten peace.

Sanctions for breaches

Media outlets that breach the rules face disciplinary sanctions, which can include the immediate suspension of a programme or of the outlet itself and exclusion from covering the campaign.

The campaign for the regional elections began at 23:59 on 9 November and runs until the same time on 26 November. The regional vote will elect regional councils, while the senatorial election on 20 December will fill two-thirds of the Senate's seats.

Read the original report: Broadcast Media Africa — Guinea Introduces AI Restrictions In New Broadcast Election Coverage Rules. A second report is at Guinee7.