SECTOR 1 Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓✓✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ 2.1 (2007 = n/a; 2009 = 4.8; 2011 = 4.9; 2014 = 4.6) 1.9 The state does not seek to block or filter internet content unless in accordance with laws that provide for restrictions that serve a legitimate interest and are necessary for a democratic society, and which are applied by independent courts Agence Sud Presse, a news site that published information critical of the Roman Catholic Church, suddenly went offline weeks before the Pope’s visit in 2011. Claims that the state seeks to block or filter internet content are difficult to verify. Most people are convinced that the state lacks the technical capacity to do so, even if it wishes to. Panellists noted that no one could prove whether the HAAC has the technical capabilities to block a website or not. The web version of La Nouvelle Tribune has only managed to remain online because its owners succeeded in disassociating the online version from the print version, which had been banned by the HAAC. In a statement, they pointed out that the site belonged to a Canadian company. The website has also changed its name in the wake of these events by becoming ‘La Nouvelle Tribune Info+’. The HAAC has banned3 all websites as part of its efforts to enforce the Information Code, which subjects websites to an authorisation regime. It developed terms of reference for websites and launched a call for applications for those keen on obtaining authorisation to operate public information websites. All applications are still being reviewed by the HAAC, even as the deadline for response set in the terms of reference expired. ‘We are in a transition phase.’ 3 16 Press release no. 0045-17/HAAC/PT/DC/SP-C of 21 December 2017. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2018