SECTOR 1 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 in a democratic society, and which are applied by independent courts. The panelists felt that it was difficult to arrive at a shared opinion on whether the State does or does not filter digital content. However, the general feeling among journalists and other web users and electronic products is that the State interferes with their online activities from time to time, sometimes even using independent hackers. But the panelists believe that the problems faced by some citizens and organizations with their sites or emails are the result of the activities of the criminals, who have no connection to the Government. 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: 3.6 1.10 Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively advance the cause of media freedom. Because there is no true umbrella organisation, Gabonese civil society is only involved in the cause of freedom of the media on an ad-hoc basis. There is a strong mobilisation of civil society organisations, for example, in the event of the arrest of a journalist. This low level of involvement of the OCS in the cause of journalists is due to the fact that the two do not have a collaboration platform. In addition, the relationships between them are often negative, even hostile. The daily struggle for a better media environment is therefore reserved to trade unions and professional organizations of the sector. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GABON 2016 73