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: Score of previous years: ✓ ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓ 1.1 2006: n/a; 2008: n/a; 2010: 3; 2012: 4.8; 2015: 4.7 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 stated that given the authorities’ bad reputation with trying to check the free flow of information, it was highly likely that the government actively sought to block or filter internet content. Despite the lack of hard evidence, these views appear to have crystallised in the public consciousness mainly due to state policy. For example, a national drive to link mobile telephone Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards to owners’ personal identification documents has led to worries that the state was engaged in massive espionage on citizens. One panellist claimed that with the help of China, the national cybercrimes force had acquired the skills and capabilities of taking down websites and preventing the spread of targeted online content. During the 2015 elections, Jamii Forums, the online discussion forum and whistle-blowing platform, inexplicably went offline for 24 hours, leading to public speculation that the site had been jammed by either Ukrainian or Russian operatives on behalf of the authorities. Despite such apparent signs of interference with online services and content, the direct involvement of the authorities appears more speculative than verifiable. 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: 22 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA 2019 ✓ ✓✓✓ ✓ ✓✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 2.2 2006: n/a; 2008: n/a; 2010: 3.3; 2012: 4.5; 2015: 3.3 ✓