Proposed Algeria internet filter raises privacy concerns

2009-12-15

A government proposal to filter Algeria's internet traffic to beat cyber-crime and online pornography is opposed by those who worry about privacy and connection speeds.

By Walid Ramzi for Magharebia in Algiers – 15/12/09

[Caroline Taix/AFP/Getty Images] Technology professionals worry that the filter could slow connection speeds for all users.

Internet users and cyber-cafe owners in Algeria are concerned that a proposed internet-filtering system would boost online security but limit privacy and hinder connectivity.

The Algerian government has proposed the centralised system to monitor all internet communications, ostensibly to prevent terrorists from hacking websites and committing other acts of piracy. Access to pornographic websites would also be restricted under the new system.

Minister of Post, Information and Communication Technologies Hamid Bessalah said in a parliamentary statement on November 5th that the proposed filtration centre would act as a gateway by monitoring information flows in and out of Algeria.

The proposed system has drawn varied responses from those working in the IT sector.

"Applying a system to block access to porn websites and websites promoting terrorism is a positive step," observed Said, who owns a store that deals in internet technology.

Cyber-cafe owner Mohamed pointed out that blocking sites may have other repercussions for internet users.

"If the government wants to block porn sites, no problem, but not to the detriment of our businesses," said Mohamed. His primary concern is that the filtering system could slow access to non-threatening sites.

"Experience has shown that internet connection speed is slowed by website blocking systems, which is certainly not in the best interests of university students and companies that can't do without the internet, for whom time and speed are critical," said Mohamed.

Another cyber-cafe owner expressed concern that the filtering system would impede Algerians' freedom to access news and information.

"I approve of all measures aimed at fighting electronic piracy, attacks on websites and blocking of obscene or pornographic content," said Mohamad, 27. "But the Algerian government should respect personal freedoms and conduct monitoring only with legal permits."

Despite such concerns, some computer specialists are untroubled by the proposed filtering system.

Computer engineer Murad Thamer, 35, downplayed the value of filtering, adding that most Web surfers can work around the system by downloading applications to allow access to banned websites. Thamer said the government's desire to crack down on questionable sites would be better served by passing an "ethics code for cyber-cafes and internet stores" specifying their duties and rights.

As for pornographic sites, Bessalah said steps had already been taken to limit Algerians' access.

"Parental control applications have been installed on routers currently being distributed by Algerie Telecom," the minister said, reiterating the government's "responsibility" to protect citizens from "malicious content online".

Taher Oday, a Member of Parliament, praised the proposal, claiming that 65% of young people are addicted to online porn.

"Blocking such websites is a precautionary step, especially given the major problems that youths face," Oday said.

Penalties for circumventing the filters will be stiff, Algerie Telecom spokesman Mohamed Meziani said at a November 25th press conference. Punishments will range from written warnings to suspension of internet service and lawsuits against offending subscribers.

Algeria is one of a handful of Arab nations with no centralised internet filtering system to control information access. Technology experts note that to date, Algeria has been largely free from all forms of blocking, monitoring or confiscation of websites and computers.