Algeria is planning to introduce a centralised system for filtering (i.e. censoring) the internetBrian Whitaker’s blog, December 2009

Algeria is planning to introduce a centralised system for filtering

(i.e. censoring) the internet. It is also proposing stiff penalties for

anyone who circumvents the government’s filtering, according to the Magharebia news website.

Algeria is one of the few Arab countries (along with Egypt and

Iraq) that does not routinely block access to disapproved websites at present, though it seeks to control internet use in other ways.

Under a law introduced in 1998, internet service provides (ISPs)

are responsible for the sites they host, and must take “all

necessary steps to ensure constant surveillance” of content to

prevent access to “material contrary to public order and

morality.”

Last year, the government introduced a wide-ranging bill to

criminalise hacking, stealing of personal data, promoting

terrorism and crimes online, blackmailing, and copyright

infringement.

via Brian Whitaker’s blog, December 2009.

~ by yahyasheikho786 on December 21, 2009.