Algerian authorities block internet access to prevent exam malpractice

Algerian authorities have blocked access to social media platforms across the country in order to prevent students from cheating during the baccalaureate exams.

This move which has been effected since Monday September 14, 2020, prevents Algerians from accessing access social media platforms and internet generally.

More than 600,000 candidates sat for the baccalaureate exams, which were scheduled for June but were postponed due to COVID-19.

The exams are scheduled to continue until Thursday.

In April, authorities made amendments to the country’s penal code making leaking exam questions an offense which can lead to up to three years in jail.

The measure came after exam questions were posted on social media minutes after they were distributed to students in 2016 and 2017.

The Minister of Justice announced that, “On 8 September, the Misdemeanour Court in Kalma sentenced the accused B.L, a high school student, to a one-year prison sentence and 100,000 dinars ($783) fine, after he was convicted of posting the answer to an Arabic language exam on his Facebook page.”