One Year Of Shaping the Future of Digital Rights in Libya
It’s been a year since we embarked on the ambitious journey to reshape Libya’s digital landscape, and what a year it has been. Against a backdrop of political turbulence and societal challenges, our digital public policy reform initiative has not just been about drafting laws or tweaking policies—it’s been about igniting a movement. We are building a future where digital rights are not just discussed in echo chambers but are recognised as essential rights that protect every Libyan’s freedom and security online.
The Digital Rights Landscape: Navigating Uncharted Waters
Libya’s digital rights environment is a challenging one—there’s no sugar-coating it. In a country fragmented by conflict, the internet is both a lifeline and a battleground. Surveillance, censorship, and online attacks on journalists, activists, and everyday citizens are rampant. The laws that should safeguard our digital freedoms are either outdated, poorly drafted, or simply nonexistent.
Take the cybercrime law, for example. Hastily passed without input from civil society, it’s a minefield of vague definitions and ambiguous terms. Its implementation is inconsistent and open to abuse, turning a tool that should protect us into a weapon that could be used against us. The problem isn’t just the law itself—it’s the process. There was no public consultation, no space for independent experts, and no room for the voices of those it affects most. This is a recurring pattern in Libya’s digital policy landscape: top-down decisions made in isolation from the people.
Our Approach: From Dialogue to Action
Faced with these realities, our project on building momentum around digital policies in Libya set out to do things differently. Our vision was not just about drafting new policies—it was about creating a new culture around digital rights, one rooted in inclusivity, transparency, and shared responsibility.
To kick-start this change, we brought together a diverse, multi-stakeholder working group. Every week, representatives from government, private companies, NGOs, and academia sat down together—not to dictate, but to listen, debate, and co-create. These meetings have been a crucible of ideas, tackling everything from cybersecurity and privacy to the broader governance of Libya’s digital space.
Parallel to these discussions, we launched an in-depth research effort using UNESCO’s Internet Universality Indicators. This was a groundbreaking step; it was the first time these indicators were applied in Libya, giving us a clear, data-driven picture of where our digital landscape stands—and where it’s failing. This research is more than just numbers on a page; it’s a critical roadmap guiding our efforts to close the gaps and push for real change.
Year One Achievements: Laying the Groundwork for Transformation
Looking back, it’s clear we’ve accomplished more than just meetings and reports. We’ve built a foundation that can carry the weight of real, transformative reform:
A Platform for Collaboration: The creation of our multi-stakeholder working group has been a game-changer. By bringing together voices from all sectors, we’ve fostered a space where ideas can cross-pollinate and grow into actionable strategies.
Policy Papers to Propel Change: The work of our first year will soon be shared in a series of policy papers. These documents are not just academic exercises—they are practical blueprints designed to drive forward the policy changes Libya desperately needs.
A First in Digital Assessment: Our use of UNESCO’s Internet Universality Indicators has given us the most comprehensive understanding yet of Libya’s digital ecosystem. It’s a pioneering effort that sets the stage for targeted, evidence-based reforms.
Shifting Narratives: Perhaps our most important achievement has been changing the conversation around digital rights in Libya. What was once a niche topic is now part of a broader public discourse, and that shift is crucial for the long-term sustainability of our work.
Challenges: A Shifting Landscape and Competing Priorities
Of course, no progress comes without obstacles. Libya’s ongoing political instability often diverts attention from digital rights to more immediate concerns. In many ways, digital rights are still seen as a luxury rather than a necessity—a perception we are actively working to change. Moreover, the overlapping mandates of government agencies create confusion and delay, complicating efforts to push forward coherent digital policies.
These hurdles are familiar territory. In my previous research on e-government barriers in Libya, I identified similar issues of bureaucratic overlap and misaligned priorities. Our current experience only reinforces the need for coordinated, collaborative approaches to governance, especially in the digital realm.
Looking Ahead: Keeping the Momentum Alive
As we step into our second year, the question is no longer whether digital rights matter—they do. The real challenge is ensuring that this issue doesn’t slip back into obscurity. We need to keep the pressure on, advocating relentlessly for the adoption and implementation of our proposed policies. Our plan to launch a digital platform for public consultation is a crucial next step, opening the door for citizens to engage directly in shaping the digital future of Libya.
We will also be ramping up our advocacy efforts, targeting not just the government but also private sector players and civil society organisations. Digital rights aren’t just a government responsibility—they are a collective endeavour. We all have a role to play in safeguarding them.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
This first year has been about more than drafting laws or hosting discussions—it’s been about building a movement. Digital rights are not abstract concepts; they are the bedrock of a free and fair digital society. In a country where so much remains uncertain, the ability to connect, communicate, and express oneself online is not just a right—it’s a lifeline.
The journey ahead will be challenging, but it’s one we are committed to. We invite all who share our vision to join us, speak out, and help build the digital future that Libya deserves. Together, we can ensure that digital rights are not just written into law but woven into the fabric of our society.
Let’s keep the momentum going.