SECTOR 1 1.8 Websites, blogs and other digital platforms are not required to register with, or obtain permission, from state authorities. In Côte d’Ivoire, prior authorisation is not required to establish an internet site or a blog, and no legislation exists in this regard. This allows for general participation in the exercise of freedom of expression. A panellist indicated, however, that this may change as the framework of the new law is being prepared. The panel also expressed the wish to see measures taken for the printed press being applied to online media. It is also wished that the content of online media be secured. This must be undertaken by the envisaged legislation. In the context of this legislation, the panel also suggested that measures be taken to prohibit online media from the practise of “stealing or copying information on the net and pasting them in their slides and documents”. There has been an explosion of online media entities, with approximately thirty in operation. Among these are some well-known, well-respected and serious publications. 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: 76 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Côte d’Ivoire 2016 4.7 (2012 = 5.0, 2009 = 5.0)