This is an article about future articles. Because we see how the media field is changing both in the world and specifically in Armenia. 

We see what is happening, and what we should think about, following the changes, so as not to be surprised in the end. 

The first and most important thing is that almost everywhere the authorities are trying to introduce more and more control systems on the Internet. They are both legal regulations and technical investments at the infrastructural level. 

The latest statement-proposal of the Prosecutor’s Office about the need for control on the Internet clearly indicates that a survey of public opinion is being conducted regarding such actions. 

If we add to this the fact that in the last two years we have had several cases of internet blocking in Armenia, as well as strange failures with Telegram and Signal messengers, it is very clear that sooner or later (but rather sooner), technical and legal foundations will be created in Armenia for internet blocking. 

It follows from this that we should start studying in detail the toolkit for bypassing the blocking so that freedom of speech remains freedom of speech in Armenia. Even if it has to be done technically. 

Also, it is necessary to consider the non-technical part: how to make sure that brutal control methods for the Internet do not become the norm of life in Armenia. It is necessary to consider in depth the role of society in the matter of Internet freedoms. Especially in Armenia, it becomes an interesting problem in the sense that a part of the political society has become part of the government, and the government-civil society balance has been broken. 

Another issue is that cyber-attacks against media activists are intensifying, both from outside and from within. In that sense, it is understandable that the digital protection of individuals and organizations in the media sphere has become a very serious issue. 

Let’s add to this the fact that blocking by social networks is also increasing because the internal rules of social networks are often not taken into account. Blockages often do more damage to the Armenian media than cyber-attacks. So, this issue also requires a more detailed study. 

As you can see, at least four principal articles are waiting for us in the near future, taking into account what this “scrambled” reality dictates to us. 

Samvel Martirosyan 

The views expressed in the column are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Media.am.