commentary
The Political Economy of Social Data: Opportunities and Risks of Digitizing Morocco’s Social Targeting System
While Morocco’s shift to a digitized social targeting system improves efficiency and coordination in social programs, it also poses risks of exclusion and reinforces austerity policies. The new system uses algorithms based on socioeconomic data to determine eligibility for benefits like cash transfers and health insurance. However, due to technical flaws, digital inequality, and rigid criteria, many vulnerable families are unfairly excluded.
- Abderrafie Zaanoun