SECTOR 1 1.10 The state does not seek to block or filter internet content unless laws provide for restrictions that serve a legitimate interest and are necessary in a democratic society. Besides the fact that the government is showing no political sign to block or filter internet content, it seemingly does not have the technical and legal means. One of the panellists summarises the situation as follows: “we are protected by Algeria’s technology gap”. “we are protected by Algeria’s technology gap” Since there are no legal dispositions that would protect legitimate interests and the democratic nature of the society against certain harmful effects of the internet, one of the panel members regrets that this “negative permissiveness” opens the way to pornographic and paedophile sites easily accessed by all ages. It, however, seems that the Algerian authorities are currently drafting a legal and regulatory framework in this regard. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 3.9 1.11 Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively advance the cause of media freedom. The panel observed that spaces for freedom have generally narrowed over the past years in Algeria. The room for manoeuvre for civil society has also not been spared. In fact, the media has become one of the rare avenues for civil society organisations to voice their opinions. In addition to this, the latter, including media lobby groups are very poorly organized. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ALGERIA 2009 23