Date: August 20, 2024
Hosted by: Amin Saleh and Dr. Hassan Lamoushi
Organized by: ISOC Libya in collaboration with the Libyan Technology Foundation

On Tuesday, August 20th, ISOC Libya successfully launched the inaugural session of “Spaces,” a monthly online discussion series. The first session, titled “The Future of .ly: Libya’s Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD)”, brought together key stakeholders from across the Libyan internet community to explore the history, governance, and future of the .ly domain.

Key Discussion Points

The session opened with a comprehensive review of the history of the internet in Libya, particularly focusing on the .ly domain. Participants, including notable figures like Dr. Hassan Lamoushi and Amin Saleh, discussed the challenges faced in the early days of the internet in Libya, including issues related to domain registration, governance, and the role of the Internet Society in Libya’s digital landscape.

One of the primary themes of the discussion was the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance. The session underscored the need for inclusive decision-making processes that involve the government, private sector, academia, and civil society. This approach is essential for ensuring that the policies and frameworks governing the .ly domain are robust, transparent, and reflective of the needs and interests of all stakeholders.

Major Takeaways

• Historical Context and Challenges: The session provided a detailed look at the early challenges of internet governance in Libya, including the formation of the Internet Society Libya (ISOC Libya) and the complexities involved in managing the .ly domain under international sanctions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: There was a strong consensus on the need for continuous stakeholder engagement in the governance of the .ly domain. Participants highlighted the importance of involving a broad spectrum of voices in the decision-making process, particularly when it comes to policy development and implementation.
• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: The discussion also touched on the growing importance of cybersecurity and data privacy in Libya. The establishment of a dedicated cybercrime unit within the Ministry of Interior was noted as a positive step forward. However, the session emphasized the need for greater awareness and education on these topics among the general public.
• Future Initiatives: The session concluded with a call to action for more transparency and inclusiveness in the governance of the .ly domain. There was also a push for increased efforts in educating the Libyan public about responsible internet use, cybersecurity, and the potential of new technologies like artificial intelligence.

Next Steps

To build on the momentum of this initial session, the following steps were identified:

1. Stakeholder Comments: The Communications Authority will clarify whether stakeholder comments are still being accepted on the draft domain name policy after the June 31st deadline.
2. ISOC Libya’s Role: ISOC Libya will explore reviving its role in domain name governance and increasing stakeholder engagement.
3. Ongoing Advocacy: Stakeholders are encouraged to continue advocating for a multi-stakeholder approach in the governance of domain names in Libya.
4. Transparency in AI Policy: The Communications Authority is urged to provide more transparency regarding the recently issued AI policy framework.
5. Public Awareness: More sessions will be organized to raise public awareness on internet governance and technology-related issues.
6. Cybersecurity Measures: Authorities are advised to review and strengthen cybersecurity measures for Libya’s domain infrastructure.
7. Education Integration: Stakeholders should advocate for the inclusion of internet awareness in educational curricula and youth programs.

Conclusion

The first “Spaces” session set a strong foundation for future discussions on the governance of Libya’s internet resources. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, ISOC Libya is fostering an inclusive dialogue that is crucial for the continued development and security of the internet in Libya.

We look forward to continuing this conversation in future sessions, and we invite all interested parties to join us in shaping the future of the .ly domain and the broader Libyan internet ecosystem.

Tripoli, Libya — August 11, 2024 — The Internet Society Libya (ISOC Libya), in collaboration with the Libyan Technology Foundation, is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new initiative: a monthly online series titled “Spaces.” This initiative is set to become a pivotal platform for discussing and addressing critical internet-related issues in Libya.

In recent years, the internet landscape in Libya has faced numerous challenges, from infrastructure limitations to policy concerns. Recognizing the need for a unified community dialogue, ISOC Libya, along with the Libyan Technology Foundation, has developed “Spaces” as a venue for thought leaders, experts, and community members to come together and share insights.

Objectives of “Spaces”

The primary goals of the “Spaces” series include:

• Raising Awareness: Educating the public and stakeholders about the current internet landscape in Libya.
• Building a Strong Internet Community: Encouraging collaboration and networking among internet users and professionals.
• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of information and best practices to improve internet usage.
• Advocating for Policy Reforms: Pushing for necessary changes in policies to enhance the internet ecosystem.
• Empowering Individuals: Equipping citizens with the knowledge and tools to optimize their internet usage and contribute to infrastructure improvements.

What to Expect

“Spaces” will host monthly meetings that feature expert-led discussions on a variety of topics relevant to the internet in Libya. Each session will encourage active participation from community members, ensuring that a diverse range of voices is heard. This interactive format is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the Libyan internet space.

The first session of “Spaces” is scheduled to take place [insert date], and it promises to set the tone for a series of enlightening and productive conversations.

How to Get Involved

ISOC Libya and the Libyan Technology Foundation invite all interested parties to join the “Spaces” initiative. Whether you are an industry professional, a policy-maker, or simply a concerned citizen, your voice is crucial in shaping the future of the internet in Libya.

For more information and to participate in the upcoming sessions, please visit [insert website link] or follow our social media channels.

About the Libyan Technology Foundation

The Libyan Technology Foundation is a leading organization in Libya focused on promoting technological advancements and digital innovation. The foundation works to support technology-driven initiatives that contribute to the country’s development.

We are thrilled to announce the successful launch of Libya’s very first School on Internet Governance (Libya SIG), a groundbreaking milestone that marks the dawn of a new era for Libya’s digital future! 🚀

A Landmark Achievement

Despite the challenges faced along the way, we have successfully brought together 35 passionate and talented individuals from across Libya, carefully selected from over 230 applications, to participate in this pioneering program. This diverse cohort represents the next generation of Libyan Internet defenders—those who will lead the charge in ensuring our nation remains connected, secure, and at the forefront of global digital policy.

Program Overview

The school officially kicked off today in a hybrid format, blending both in-person and online sessions to accommodate participants from all regions. The journey has begun, and with it, the participants are now on the path to becoming leaders in Internet governance, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact both locally and internationally.

A Collaborative Effort

This monumental achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners—the Internet Society and the Annir Initiative—and the valuable contributions of our distinguished speakers. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this significant step forward, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact that the graduates of Libya SIG will have on the future of Internet governance in Libya and beyond. Together, we are shaping a more connected, resilient, and digitally empowered Libya! 🌍

Let’s take a moment to celebrate this monumental achievement and the bright future it promises for our country’s digital landscape. 🇱🇾

On the morning of Saturday, May 11, 2024, the National Initiative for Digital Policy Reform in Libya took another significant step forward. The Internet Society Libya Chapter (ISOC Libya) together with the Annir Initiative successfully hosted their second introductory meeting, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to reshape Libya’s digital landscape. This session, like the first, was conducted in a hybrid format, enabling participants to join both online and in-person in Tripoli, ensuring widespread engagement and inclusivity.

A Broad Coalition for Change

This meeting continued to gather a broad array of stakeholders involved in internet governance, echoing the collaborative ethos of the first session. Representatives from national bodies in telecommunications, information technology, and cybersecurity were present, along with academics and members from the private sector and civil society. This diverse participation underscores the comprehensive approach the initiative is taking toward digital policy reform.

Focused Discussions and Strategic Outcomes

The second introductory meeting was pivotal in advancing the discussions started during the first session. Participants engaged in deep dives into specific areas of digital policy that require urgent attention and reform. The goal was to outline actionable steps and formulate strategies that will guide the ongoing reform process, ensuring that it not only supports technological advancement but also safeguards the rights and security of all Libyans.

The Road Ahead

With the groundwork laid and initial discussions in progress, the initiative is now moving towards more detailed planning and implementation phases. Future meetings are expected to focus on:

• Drafting detailed proposals for policy changes.
• Establishing a roadmap for implementing these reforms.
• Enhancing collaboration between governmental, private, and civil society sectors to ensure effective governance.

Stay Involved and Informed

The success of this initiative depends heavily on continued stakeholder engagement and public support. ISOC Libya and Annir Initiative encourage all interested parties to stay connected and informed about the progress of these discussions. Your participation and input are crucial as we continue to shape policies that will define the digital future of Libya.

A Call to Action

We invite you to remain actively engaged as we navigate through this transformative process. Whether you are a policy expert, a technology enthusiast, or a concerned citizen, your contribution is valuable. Together, we can ensure that Libya’s digital policy landscape is robust, equitable, and forward-looking.

We are excited to share the latest development from the Internet Society Libya Chapter (ISOC Libya)—a new strategic partnership with the Annir Initiative. Annir Initiative is an independent, neutral, and non-political Libyan organization dedicated to addressing digital space issues in Libya. This partnership signifies a joint commitment to spreading digital awareness and advocating for essential reforms in digital policy.

A Union for Digital Empowerment

Our collaboration with Annir Initiative is set to create a formidable force in the push for a digital revolution in Libya. By combining ISOC Libya’s advocacy for open, globally-connected, and secure internet with Annir Initiative’s focus on digital space issues, we aim to foster a digital ecosystem that is accessible, reliable, and secure for all Libyans.

Focus Areas of Our Collaboration

Our united efforts will be channeled towards:

• Promoting Internet Governance: We aim to lead discussions and actions around internet governance that advocate for fair and responsible digital practices and policies.
• Enhancing Internet Accessibility: Ensuring that internet access is not just widespread but also equitable, allowing everyone the opportunity to connect and participate in the digital world.
• Reforming Digital Public Policy: We are dedicated to shaping and reforming digital public policies that support the sustainable development of Libya’s digital future.

Join Our Transformative Journey

This partnership is about more than just combining efforts; it’s about transforming the digital landscape to make it more inclusive and beneficial for everyone in Libya. We need your support and engagement to drive this transformation. Join us as we embark on this path to digital empowerment.

Stay Updated and Involved

Keep connected with us for updates on our projects and learn about opportunities where you can make a difference. Follow our social media platforms and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about the developments and how you can be a part of this exciting journey.

Together with Annir Initiative, we are poised to make significant strides towards a more connected and digitally educated Libya. Your participation is crucial in helping us realize the vision of #InternetForAll.

Let’s make the digital future accessible to everyone in Libya!

On the morning of Tuesday, April 16, 2024, a landmark event marked the beginning of a significant chapter in Libya’s journey toward comprehensive digital policy reform. Hosted by the Internet Society Libya Chapter (ISOC Libya) in collaboration with the Annir Initiative, the inaugural meeting of the national initiative for public digital policy reform convened a diverse group of stakeholders involved in internet governance across Libya. This pivotal gathering was conducted in a hybrid format, enabling participation both online and in-person in Tripoli, ensuring broad and inclusive engagement.

A Convergence of Minds

This initial meeting brought together an array of participants, including key representatives from national bodies specializing in telecommunications, information technology, and cybersecurity. The event also saw active participation from academics and members from both the private sector and civil society, underscoring the collaborative spirit of this initiative.

Objectives and Expectations

The primary aim of this gathering was to kickstart a dialogue on the need for and the nature of digital policy reform in Libya. By involving a wide range of perspectives—from governmental officials to technology experts and civil society activists—the initiative seeks to craft policies that are not only comprehensive and forward-thinking but also inclusive and beneficial for all stakeholders in Libya’s digital landscape.

The Path Forward

The meeting set the stage for a series of discussions and workshops aimed at:

• Identifying key areas in need of reform within Libya’s digital policies.
• Developing strategies to enhance internet governance that is transparent, accountable, and participatory.
• Ensuring that the digital transformation benefits all layers of Libyan society, fostering an environment of digital inclusivity.

Stay Engaged

This meeting is just the beginning of what promises to be an ongoing and dynamic reform process. ISOC Libya and Annir Initiative are committed to keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout this journey. We encourage everyone interested in the future of Libya’s digital policy to stay connected through our updates and to participate in upcoming events.

Join Us in Shaping Libya’s Digital Future

We believe that the active participation of a broad spectrum of society is crucial to the success of digital policy reform in Libya. Your insights, experiences, and expertise are invaluable as we navigate this complex and crucial domain.

Together, we can work towards a digital environment that is secure, accessible, and empowering for all Libyans.

We are delighted to announce an exhilarating development at the Internet Society Libya Chapter (ISOC Libya)—our new strategic partnership with Libyan Spider. Renowned for its innovative web solutions, Libyan Spider has been a cornerstone in Libya’s digital service industry since 2002, providing top-tier domain registration, web development, design, and hosting services.

A Partnership for Digital Excellence

This collaboration between ISOC Libya and Libyan Spider is a powerful alliance aimed at harnessing our combined expertise to push the boundaries of internet and information accessibility across Libya. With Libyan Spider’s long-standing experience in digital services and ISOC Libya’s commitment to internet advocacy, our partnership is poised to implement effective technical policies and foster a secure and reliable digital environment.

Our Collective Goals

Together, our efforts will be focused on several critical areas:

• Enhancing Internet Accessibility: Making the internet more available and usable to every Libyan, reducing digital divides.
• Improving Information Dissemination: Utilizing innovative technologies to ensure that accurate and helpful information reaches all corners of the society effectively.
• Shaping Technical Policies: Developing and advocating for policies that support sustainable growth and security in Libya’s digital landscape.

Be Part of Our Digital Journey

This transformative journey is set to make significant impacts in making the digital world more accessible and beneficial for all Libyans. Your engagement and support are vital for our collective success. We invite you to be actively involved in this exciting phase of our digital evolution.

Stay Informed and Engaged

Keep an eye on our channels for continuous updates about our collaborative projects and discover various opportunities to contribute to and benefit from our initiatives. Follow us on our social media platforms and subscribe to our newsletters to stay connected with every development.

This partnership represents a significant leap towards achieving our vision of #InternetForAll. Together with your support, we can ensure that every individual in Libya can leverage the transformative power of the internet.

Let’s empower every Libyan to reach new heights in the digital world!

We are excited to share a momentous update from the Internet Society Libya Chapter (ISOC Libya)—a new strategic partnership with the Libyan Organization for Information and Communications Technology (LOITC). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our continuous effort to enhance Libya’s digital landscape and to make the internet more accessible and beneficial for everyone across the nation.

A Partnership Rooted in Progress

The LOITC has been instrumental in driving critical initiatives that pave the way for a robust digital ecosystem in Libya. Their efforts in spearheading significant decrees, such as the general email policy for Libyan institutions (Decree No. 563/2021) and the establishment of National Information Technology Day on June 1st (Decree No. 79/2021), have set foundational policies that support digital advancement and literacy.

United in Vision and Action

ISOC Libya’s partnership with LOITC is grounded in a shared commitment to not just celebrate but actively promote technology’s role in societal enhancement. Our joint focus will leverage both organizations’ resources to amplify our initiatives and expand our reach within the community. One of the primary goals of this partnership is to foster a collaborative environment where we can jointly work on training activities to cultivate a larger network of internet advocates.

Join Us on This Transformative Journey

This partnership represents more than just a strategic alignment of two organizations; it is a call to action for the entire community to join hands in making the internet a more inclusive and equitable space. We invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Your participation and support are crucial as we work together to break digital barriers and build a connected Libya where everyone can thrive in the digital age.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned for more updates on our projects and initiatives. We are eager to share how this partnership will unfold and the various ways you can get involved. Follow us on our social media platforms and join our mailing list to stay informed about upcoming events and how you can make a difference in the digital revolution of Libya.

This partnership is a step forward towards realizing our vision of #InternetForAll, and with your support, we can accelerate progress and achieve more together in the realm of digital technology and internet accessibility.

Let’s make the digital future bright for everyone in Libya!