Threats to digital rights in Lebanon

Abstract

PDF file (83 p.)

Lebanon has long been known as a bastion of press freedom and vibrant civil society. Ever since the end of the civil war in 1990, a power struggle over the new freedoms inherent in the introduction of the internet and social media has been raging. The Lebanese government has attempted to crack down on social media. This is an expression of the desire of the power elites to reestablish their control over freedom of expression. This publication combines the opinions and insights of scholars and activists bucking the trend towards less freedom and against open competition of ideas in Lebanon. It describes both what we have achieved and what we stand to lose because of widespread attempts to undermine rule of law and freedom of expression.