SECTOR 1 the cult of secrecy is practised in the country, as witnessed by the “confidential” stamp appearing on documents posted on public notice boards. 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: 1.2 (2007=1.4; 2009=4.8; 2011=1.4) 1.8 Websites, blogs and other digital platforms are not required to register with, or obtain permission, from state authorities. The promoters of Internet sites and blogs do not have to make a declaration or apply for authorisation. But Benin recently adopted Act No. 2014-14 of 09 July 2014 relating to electronic and postal communications. According to the provisions of this new law which has not as yet been promulgated by the Head of State, a Regulatory Authority shall be put in place (Article 3, paragraph 12): “a public- law institution established by this law and responsible for regulating electronic and postal communication activities”. Article 21: “The conditions for obtaining and using the authorisation and the technical characteristics of the independent network shall be determined by the Regulatory Authority”. According to a participant, these articles show the intention of the state to exercise control over everything concerning the communications sector in the country. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2014 73