A 2019 report by Freedom House “Freedom of the Net” has shown that Libya’s position retreated as regards to freedoms on the net and social media this year.
The report included 65 countries that compromise 88% of net users around the world between June 2018 and May 2019, saying freedom of the net in Libya is partial.
Libya came 37 scoring 49% in the total assessment of freedoms, which is a retreat of tank compared to previous years.
The report says in October 2018, 4G mobile services were introduced in Tripoli. However, they are relatively expensive. Internet access more generally continues to be badly affected by the ongoing conflict.
“In separate incidents in August and June 2018, internet access was temporarily disrupted in the cities of Tobruk and Khoms, respectively. The disruption in Tobruk was attributed to unauthorized digging, while a fiber-optic cable had been cut in Khoms.” It added.
The report added that in May 2019, the internationally recognized government announced the suspension of 40 foreign firms, including telecoms equipment firm Alcatel-Lucent, now owned by Finland’s Nokia, and Microsoft, saying they needed to renew their licenses.
“The companies were granted a grace period in which to do so, but the move was described by some analysts as a pressure tactic aimed at gaining more support for the internationally recognized authorities.” It said.
I”nternet access has been badly affected by the ongoing conflict, as electricity outages and physical damage to infrastructure have limited connectivity. However, the quality of service for those who can access the internet has improved recently. 4G mobile services were launched in Tripoli, though they are relatively expensive. The majority of the ICT sector remains monopolized by state-owned entities.” The report says.
It explained that the national crisis and lack of rule of law continued to have a negative impact on internet freedom in Libya. Internet infrastructure has been damaged amid ongoing conflict and, while restrictions on content were limited, self-censorship online is common due to fear of harassment and violent reprisals.
“Journalists who are active online face arrest and arbitrary detention while operating in an environment in which armed groups carry out attacks with impunity. Those who attempt to report on active conflicts risk being injured or killed in the violence.” It said.
The report blamed a proliferation of weapons and autonomous militias, flourishing criminal networks, and the presence of extremist groups as the factors that undermined security in the country.
