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: 4.2 (2008 = n/a) 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. Evidence points to efforts by the state to control web content. Afraid of the risk of an uprising similar to those witnessed in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and other Arab countries, Cameroonian authorities forced mobile telephone operator, MTN, to suspend its Twitter via SMS service in March 2011. The service remained suspended for about ten days. It is understood that there are plans to hire a private firm to undertake cryptographic tasks for the government with the intention of eventually filtering electronic content. This exercise would primarily target cyber cafes by limiting sites that clients can access. The Ministry of Communication has created an observatory to monitor online content. Although unfounded as yet, it is widely feared that this will lead to the shutting down of sites with content judged hostile to the government. Another committee, made up of representatives of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication and security forces, has been put in place to issue frequencies and guard against the use of new information and communication technologies that could breach public order. 74 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER CAMEROON 2011