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. Earlier in 2014, it emerged that the Federal Government had paid an Israeli hacking firm about USD40 million to monitor the online communications of Nigerians, although there were no details about the scope of the monitoring and whose communication was being monitored. The Bayelsa State Government was also embroiled in a similar affair, with reports revealing that it had paid an Italian firm about NGN100 million (slightly over USD500,000)4 to monitor internet users in the state. These examples show that both Federal and State officials are interested in what happens online. This prying has led to people being arrested for comments they make or information they share online, such as the arrest of a student over a Facebook post containing details of an alleged fertiliser scam in Katsina State in 2014. Other examples include the arrest of three bloggers and a man who tweeted about a clash between Boko Haram fighters and officials of the Directorate of State Security (DSS), the Nigerian domestic intelligence agency. Many believe the government is actively intercepting digitally transmitted information, particularly of targeted individuals, groups or organisations. The Federal government was a primary suspect when Premium Times’ website was hacked and injected with viruses. Actions like this, if any, are currently executed within a legal vacuum. But things may change in the future. Two Bills to legalise government-backed interception of information are pending in parliament. They are:Telecommunications Facilities (Lawful Interception of Information) Bill, 2011 and Interception of Communications Bill, 2012 Beyond hacking, it is unclear if the government actively filters internet content. There is no evidence of blocked sites or digital services. Sometimes though, when some websites or services suddenly break down, even briefly, people cannot help but wonder whether the government is involved. 4 NGN1 = USD0.005, 13 Dec 2015 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2015 21