freedom of expression. According to Freedom House, Angola’s internet freedom environment deteriorated in 2023. Although service from the biggest telecoms operator has stabilised, the country’s limited infrastructure continues to impede customers’ ability to access the internet reliably and without interruption. The Press Law, promulgated in 2017, is one such piece of legislation aimed at regulating the media sector. It emphasises the importance of a free and independent press, outlining the rights and responsibilities of journalists. The same source indicates that the government does not use technical measures to restrict material, but the repetitive issuance of hefty prison terms for critical online discourse and the intimidation of independent media have created an atmosphere of fear that hinders public discussion of governance issues. The law prohibits censorship and guarantees journalists the right to protect their sources, reinforcing the commitment to fostering an environment where diverse opinions can flourish. Furthermore, Angola has embraced international human rights standards by being a party to various international conventions and treaties. Digital rights in Angola The Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies, and Social Communication (MTTICS) oversees the ICT sector through the National Institute of Telecommunications (INACOM), which was established in 1999. The country is a signatory to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) Declaration of 2019, which includes provisions safeguarding freedom of expression. Angola is a state party to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the ACHPR, instruments that protect the right to life, freedom of assembly and freedom of association (in articles 2, 20, 22 and 10, respectively). INACOM is responsible for developing sector related policies, setting telecommunications service prices, and granting licences. While there are no reports of significant limits on encryption, SIM card registration is obligatory and must be carried out directly with INACOM, which naturally limits mobile phone customers’ capacity to communicate privately. Reports of harassment and intimidation against journalists and media practitioners raise concerns about the actual implementation of these legal provisions. For citizens, an identity card, driver’s licence, and tax card are required for the compulsory registration, while visitors are required to produce a passport with a valid visa. It is our understanding that the government’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression will be tested in its response to such incidents, as a robust legal framework requires effective enforcement. Internet access remains relatively low, but it is steadily improving with INACOM reporting 9.35 million mobile internet subscribers and over 740,000 fixed-line internet subscribers. Freedom of expression in Angola According to DataReportal’s Digital 2023 Report, internet penetration stands at 32.6 percent. A set of legislation passed in 2016 forced broadcast media outlets to air the president’s official statements. In general, internet service is still excessively expensive for many individuals, particularly in rural areas and there are initiatives by government and certain private companies to develop free wireless hotspots. The decriminalisation of press offences, which journalists have long demanded, is still pending. In 2018, an optimistic sign came in the form of a court decision acquitting two investigative journalists of defamation, on the grounds that they had carried out their “duty to report with complete objectivity”. Many Angolans continue to face unacceptably high costs for information communication technology (ICT) access, thanks in part to a lack of competition in the ICT market. Cable, a UK-based telecoms provider, estimates 21 STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2023