UN Authority Figures

U.N. Committee on Information: Libya

Internet service has been cut off in Libya for a second consecutive day as protesters step up demonstrations against Muammar Gaddafi. (Libya cuts internet access , February 20, 2011)

Mission of the Committee on Information: "...To promote the establishment of a new, more just and more effective world information and communication order intended to strengthen peace and international understanding and based on the free circulation and wider and better-balanced dissemination of information and to make recommendations thereon to the General Assembly." (Committee on Information web-site, "Background Information")

Libya's Term of office: 2000- (P.3, Para 15)

Libya's Record on Freedom of Information:
"Security agencies ...routinely monitored telephone calls and Internet usage, including e-mail communication with foreign countries... single government-owned service provider offered Internet access...In practice the Publication Act of 1972 severely limits the freedoms of speech and of the press, particularly criticism of government officials or policy...The government prohibited all unofficial political activities...law permits authorities to interpret many forms of speech or expression as illegal. The wide reach of security services and broad networks of informants resulted in pervasive self-censorship...The government owned and controlled virtually all print and broadcast media." (US State Department's Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2009, Libya)