SECTOR 1 1.8 Public information is easily guaranteed by law, to all citizens. accessible, Access to public information has not improved since 2008. Restrictive laws such as the Public Service Act of 1962 - which sets limitations on what public servants can reveal to the public - still exist. Only Permanent Secretaries and designated officers are allowed to speak to the public, mainly through the media. The panellists observed that although communications officers have been placed in almost all Government ministries and agencies, they are still restricted by law on what they can or cannot reveal to the public. One panellist noted that the Government Communications Policy5 that provided for these officers had made room for more open communication between the government and the public, but added that infrastructural problems and legal hurdles still hindered the smooth flow of information. The process of enacting Freedom of Information (the Right to Information) and Media Services Acts which would guarantee public access to information, freedom of expression, including that of the media, is still underway. 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: 1.6 (2008 = 1.3 ; 2006 = 1.1) 1.9 Websites and blogs are not required to register with or obtain permission from state authorities. Blogs and websites are not required to register formally, and no one can be stopped from publishing material online. A panellist pointed out, however, that the proposed Information and Broadcasting policy6 will require those who want 5 The Communication offices were established through a policy, titled: Government Communications Policy which originated from the Directorate of Communications (State House). 6 The proposed policy seeks to amend the 2003 Information and Broadcasting Policy and aims at, among other things, prohibit ownership of more than one type of media outlet. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA 2010 17