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:

✓

✓

✓✓

✓

✓✓✓✓✓✓

4.8 (2005: n/a; 2007: n/a; 2009: 4.2; 2011: 4.9;
2014: 4.8)

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
‘eSwatini doesn’t have the technology to block or filter internet content, but if
we did this would definitely be a concern.’
This is particularly true for internet content hosted and or registered internationally
and not with the eSwatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation.
‘This is a terrain that the powers that be are still ignorant of, which is why we are
still enjoying ourselves in this space.’
It is important to note, however, that citizens have to register their Subscriber
Identity Module (SIM) cards when purchased and that their photograph is
taken as part of the registration process. In this regard, it is believed that some
monitoring is taking place.
Although content has not been blocked or filtered, incidences of cyberbullying
do occur, with one panellist noting that their account had been hacked. Those
responsible left messages stating, ‘Stop doing this or that, or we [will] know you
are communicating with so and so’.

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ESWATINI 2018

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