4 Recommendations uphold free expression. To safeguard freedom of expression in SubSaharan Africa while addressing challenges like technology-facilitated gender-based violence and disinformation, the following actions ought to be taken to remedy the different challenges identified above:- 4.2 Enhancing Social Media Usage and Content Regulation The laws governing social media and internet access ought to employ a balanced approach to maintaining free speech while mitigating harmful impacts. Governments should promote digital literacy to help citizens recognize misinformation, and social media companies must implement transparent algorithms and robust fact-checking systems. Content regulation policies should be transparent and involve multi-stakeholder consultations to avoid arbitrary censorship. International cooperation and adherence to regional standards, such as those by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, will harmonise efforts and enhance digital rights protection across the continent. These strategies, coupled with judicial oversight to prevent unwarranted internet shutdowns, will bolster democratic processes and safeguard freedom of 4.1 Mitigating Technology-Facilitated GenderBased Violence Policymakers should implement comprehensive legislation targeting digital harassment, ensuring clear accountability and robust legal definitions. Such regulation should accommodate the nature of online abuse in various forms, starting from the conventional defamatory realm of tortious liability. Strengthening law enforcement and judicial capacity to handle digital violence, alongside international collaboration and civil society support, can create a safer online environment. Legal frameworks should align with international human rights standards, and monitoring mechanisms for reporting abuses must be enhanced to protect vulnerable populations and expression in the digital age. 12