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Togo to tighten control of online speechCEFR A1
19 Oct 2025
Adapted from Laura, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Markus Winkler, Unsplash
Level A1 – BeginnerCEFR A1
2 min
98 words
- Authorities in Togo will tighten control over online speech.
- Large protests took place in June 2025 across the country.
- The protests were supported in part by the Togolese diaspora.
- Many people used Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram to speak.
- Since June the government has sometimes disrupted internet access.
- Many online media now work only with Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
- The public prosecutor warned of criminal charges for social media misuse.
- The media regulator told journalists to check facts before publishing.
- Civil society called the new stance a form of censorship.
- Internet penetration in Togo is over 66.56 percent.
Difficult words
- freedom — The state of being free or able to choose.
- government — The group of people who lead or control a country.
- protest — A public demonstration against something.protests
- online — Connected to the internet.
- speech — The expression of thoughts or ideas.
- share — To give a part of something to others.
- access — The ability to enter or use something.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do people protest against the government?
- What do you think about freedom of expression?
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