SECTOR 1 Information and communication technology is not always properly used and is sometimes even non-existent. The National Registry Office also shows shortcomings in information management and access. A section of the Ivorian Registry Office is still managed by France. At the onset of the crisis in Ivory Coast, some Ivorian journalists who went to the city of Nantes to research on the civil status of certain Ivorian personalities were not allowed access to the records. Finally, the “psychological obstacles” are not to be underestimated . Aside from the tendency of civil servants to divulge information only with the authorization of their superior, there appears to be a culture of information retention linked to a secret-keeping culture that is well rooted in the Ivorian society in general. As a result of the difficult access to information sources, the Ivorian media has a tendency to make false statements in order to discover the truth. This of course raises ethical issues. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 2.3 1.9 Websites and blogs are not required to register with, or obtain permission, from state authorities. There are no legal or regulatory provisions requiring website or blog promoters to register with public authorities or obtain prior authorization from them. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER IVORY COAST 2009 83