Tunisia will not censor internet

Tunisia will not impose an internet censorship policy, the Minister of Communication Technologies and Digital Economy, Noomane Fehri, said yesterday.

During a meeting with media outlets during the Africa Internet Summit in Tunis, Fehri said: “I confirm that Tunisia will not adopt a policy of blocking websites whatever their danger to us because we believe this solution is technologically useless.”

“But on the other hand, we will not tolerate those who threaten our security and we will rely on the latest tools in the prevention of cyber-crimes and crimes of terrorism and this will of course be under the control of the judiciary and without prejudice to the personal data of individuals,” the minister added.

Fehri said: “It is a difficult equation, but we are determined to build an open, safe and responsible internet under the law.” Stressing that Tunisia is working to develop legal frameworks to promote freedom of expression on the Internet and protect users from the domination of state security apparatus.

The minister also pointed out that Tunisia is determined to increase cooperation with all African countries and is open to all regional initiatives and will support them in the framework of the country’s interest and the African continent as a whole.

The Africa Internet Summit is a week-long programme which is attended by more than 350 experts who will address issued relating to Internet governance in Africa.