SECTOR 1 repeatedly been raised in an attempt to justify that access to information laws could violate people’s privacy. Additionally, the government is said to have tried to impede opposition parties from ‘presenting popular pieces of legislation’, (as Private Members Bills) to ‘prevent them from gaining popularity,’ hence drafting processes are taken over by the government. A process as simple as a passport renewal requires citizens to go through a lengthy process to certify their identity, impeding the accessibility of personal information and documentation. On a positive note, some government and public institutions, especially in the rural areas, provide information on their services: as their duty demands. 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: ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 1.4 (2005 = 1.0; 2007 = 1.1; 2009 = 1.1; 2011 = 1.3; 2014 = 1.6) 1.8 Websites, blogs and other digital platforms are not required to register with or obtain permission from state authorities. Online platforms are not required to register or obtain permission from authorities, ‘but that doesn’t mean that there is no interference.’ The Cybercrimes and Computer Related Crimes Act places the ability and power in the state ‘to disrupt operations and seize any associated assets’ however, online content producers do not require registration. Online radio broadcasters ‘are not allowed.’ Several years ago, a group of youth considered starting an online radio station, as they felt that the official broadcaster registration process would be unsuccessful. They were told that if they were to start operating online they ‘would be arrested.’ 18 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2018