Civil-society submission to UN review flags digital-rights setbacks in Lebanon

A new joint submission to the UN Human Rights Council by APC and SMEX places Lebanon’s digital-rights record under scrutiny, warning that the country has not met key commitments made during its previous Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The document, prepared for Lebanon’s upcoming fourth-cycle review, argues that digital-rights protections have stalled or deteriorated amid political instability, economic crisis and regional conflict.

Submission highlights persistent gaps

The submission centres on three areas: digital inclusion and connectivity, freedom of expression online, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. It states that, despite accepting 179 recommendations in its last UPR, Lebanon has failed to implement many of the reforms it committed to, particularly those relating to safeguarding online expression and protecting activists.

Connectivity: high coverage, unreliable access

Although Lebanon reports internet penetration of more than 90%, APC and SMEX say users experience frequent outages, slow speeds and high costs. The submission links this to sector mismanagement, corruption, fuel shortages and infrastructure damage caused by 2024 airstrikes in southern Lebanon. It also notes concerns about affordability and data protection associated with future satellite internet services like Starlink, warning that unregulated entry could widen inequalities.

Online expression: legal pressure and enforcement concerns

The document argues that Lebanon continues to use outdated criminal-defamation laws to restrict online speech, despite constitutional guarantees. Journalists, bloggers and activists frequently face summons, investigations or pressure to sign pledges restricting future commentary. The submission also warns that proposed media legislation could further tighten limits on online expression. Between 2017 and 2023, civil-society monitoring recorded more than 800 violations against journalists.

Gender-based online abuse and targeting of defenders

The submission emphasises growing technology-facilitated gender-based violence, noting that women make up the majority of victims. Cases handled by SMEX’s digital safety helpdesk include harassment, hacking, doxxing and extortion – often linked to coordinated networks. It adds that LGBTQ+ people, refugees and migrant workers face heightened digital threats, sometimes paired with offline harassment or arrests.

Recommendations advanced to UN member states

APC and SMEX call on Lebanon to:

• Improve telecom sector governance and infrastructure
• End the use of criminal defamation provisions against online speech
• Ensure any new media laws align with international standards
• Adopt specific policies to prevent online gender-based violence
• Consult civil society on digital policy reforms and safety campaigns

They also urge authorities to ensure the protection of marginalised groups from digital and physical harm and to investigate attacks on journalists and activists.

Submission sets the tone ahead of the review

With Lebanon’s next UPR session approaching, the submission frames digital freedoms as a core indicator of the country’s broader democratic and rights environment. It argues that strengthening online protections, especially during periods of crisis, will be key to maintaining civic participation and public trust.