SECTOR 1 1.8 Websites, blogs and other digital platforms are not required to register with, or obtain permission, from state authorities. Currently, permission is not required for the operation of websites, blogs and other digital platforms. “Bloggers and bloggers associations are currently blooming, and many people are getting information from online sources.” However, authorities are developing a law on social media and the general regulation of the Internet. It is understood, though, that Government is struggling to create restrictions for this law. 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: 4.7 (2012 = 4.8; 2010 = 4.1; 2007 = n/a) 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. There are no specific laws that provide restrictions on internet content, but the Uganda Communications Act of 2013 (UCC), contains provisions that could be used more broadly to do so. Article 86 of the UCC Act notes that during a state of emergency: (1) The Commission may, during a state of emergency in the interest of public safety: a. direct any operator to operate a network in a specified manner in order to alleviate the state of emergency; AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2016 25