SECTOR 1 1.8 Websites, blogs and other digital platforms are not required to register with, or obtain permission, from state authorities. Website, blogs and other digital platforms do not have to obtain permission or register with state authorities in order to operate. The Lesotho ICT policy makes no mention of having to register these online information platforms. The Communications Act of 2012, however, notes in Clause 38 (2) that “Audio, video or any content distributed through the internet may be licenced or regulated as broadcasting”. 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 (2012 = 4.5; 2010 = 4.7; 2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a) 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. “Even if the state wanted to (block or filter internet content), it doesn’t have the technical capacity to do so.” No laws have been used or created to block or filter internet content; “although there has been an attempt by the LDF in the past to seek ‘security-related’ information from telecoms providers, and to regulate such content.” 22 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2015