SECTOR 1 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. Currently, the Ivorian state neither seeks to block nor filter internet content. No legal text authorises the State to initiate such an action; and citizens continue to receive internet information in real-time. One panellist, however, stated a need to regulate this sector, as the use of online media by some people leaves much to be desired. To illustrate this point, the panellist provided the example of Monseigneur Boniface Ziri who was declared dead by the daily Notre Voie published 16 May 2016, although it concerned another catholic priest by the same name. The newspaper was obliged to publish an apology. 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: 4.9 (2012 = 4.9, 2009 = 4.9) 1.10 Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively advance the cause of media freedom. Civil society works with journalists, but does not often defend the media when it is attacked. According to one panellist, everything depends on the objective that could motivate such defence. If the motive is to get a broader reaction when a journalist is attacked, it is mostly through press releases that civil society is informed. Another panellist noted that more often than not, if civil society is informed of an act of aggression against the media, it does react. The popularisation by civil society of the Plan of Action for Access to Information, alongside community radio stations and journalists, is a good example of collaboration between media and civil society. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Côte d’Ivoire 2016 77