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 Panellists believed that Nigerian authorities have not yet blocked or filtered websites and internet content. ‘The authorities would love to but fear a strong public backlash,’ said one panellist. ‘This is not Rwanda or Uganda. Nigerians are very assertive. Authorities can only monitor but they cannot block or filter the internet. If they could filter or block the internet, they would have done so.’ Another panellist said: The governments are restrained by political considerations that stop those in power from taking certain actions. We are in a trial democracy and each government wants to be viewed as being democratic. Some panellists felt that it was likely that the authorities lacked the technical capacity to interfere with internet content. Shortly before the 2015 elections, there were rumours that federal authorities had signed contracts with foreign computer technology providers to block or filter certain internet content. However, panellists stated was no evidence of any such interference. Authorities have resorted to more classical means of silencing the online public, such as the harassment of citizens based on their communication via the internet and social media. Panellists claimed that cybercrimes policing has sometimes been misdirected towards online communities critical of the authorities, adding that security officials have openly stated they would clampdown on social media communications that breached public peace. 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: Score of previous years: 18 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2019 ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 4.5 2008: n/a; 2011: 4.2; 2015: 3.2 ✓✓✓✓✓