Online safety & content laws in Libya (2026)

Law No. 5 of 2022, ratified 26 October 2021 and brought into force 27 September 2022, is the primary instrument governing online content. Articles 7 and 8 empower NISSA to block websites and censor content undermining 'security of society and social peace' or deemed 'contrary to public morality' — without a judicial warrant.

Article 37 of Law No. 5/2022 imposes up to 15 years' imprisonment and fines for sharing 'rumours' or 'information that threatens security or public safety' online. The law also criminalizes possession or use of encryption tools without prior NISSA authorization, and asserts extraterritorial jurisdiction over Libyans abroad.

Presidential Council Decree No. 14 of July 2024 established the Public Morality Protection Agency with an independent legal and financial mandate to monitor social media and investigate content deemed harmful to 'Libyan values.' Human rights groups warned the body would further chill online expression, especially for women and journalists.

Authorities arrested multiple TikTok creators in January and May 2024 for 'publishing inappropriate content' and violating 'public modesty.' In May 2025, a localized internet shutdown lasting approximately 12 hours was imposed in Tripoli during anti-government protests, with at least one provider reporting a complete service outage.

NISSA (established by ministerial decree in 2013) is the principal ICT security and content-regulation authority. Under Law No. 5/2022, NISSA can conduct surveillance of private communications and order blocking of online services without independent judicial oversight, a power criticised by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression.

Libya has no legislation establishing platform liability rules, duty-of-care obligations, or age-verification requirements comparable to the EU DSA or UK Online Safety Act. Law No. 6/2022 on Electronic Transactions addresses e-commerce validity but does not create online safety obligations for platforms.