Online Censorship in the Middle East and North Africa

Today, the Internet is used by more than a quarter of the world's population, yet access is quite uneven globally. The thesis aims to explore the issue of online censorship in Egypt and Tunisia, focusing on the role of authoritarian regimes in shaping Internet freedom in these countries. The thesis argues that while the Internet has the potential to be a tool for democracy and freedom of expression, it can also be used by authoritarian regimes to exert control over their populations. The thesis uses a research design that is exploratory, descriptive, and analytical, with qualitative research methods such as interviews, to provide a more nuanced understanding of Internet censorship and gender differences in Internet usage. The research aims to contribute to a better understanding of the potential for online activism and free expression in the context of authoritarianism, and the thesis addresses the main research question: How has the Internet become a tool for control in authoritarian regimes? Overall, the thesis intends to provide insights into the complex landscape of Internet rights and censorship in Egypt and Tunisia and to inform policy and practice aimed at promoting Internet freedom and gender equality in the region.