Epress.am News from Armenia
A legislative initiative circulated by a group of lawmakers in Armenia's National Assembly to amend Article1087.1 of the RA Civil Code [AM] designed to counteract so-called "fake" online user accounts has caused serious concern among the local media and active users of primarily social networking sites (SNS). Recall, Article 1087.1 refers to the order and terms of compensation for harm caused to honor, dignity, and business reputation.
Nine organizations issued a statement on March 14 in which they argue that the draft law doesn't so much solve the real problems as it creates news ones:
"The vast majority of these conflicts, which the aforementioned legislative amendments are designed to regulate, can be resolved within the framework of the current legislation, judicial precedents, and relevant interpretations of the RA Court of Cassation, as well as the means of complaint that exist on the social networking sites [themselves].
"At the same time, this legislative initiative contains threats to freedom of speech, the realization of citizens' right to receive and impart information, and the protection of personal data. It will not have a significant impact on the flow of information that is defamatory, insulting, or an invasion of privacy. In addition, the legislative amendments will restrict/immobilize/bind/fetter bona fide participants of information processes, compel Armenian Internet users to 'emigrate' to sections of the virtual domain beyond the control of national jurisdiction, and create conditions for the selective application of the law and citizens' responsibility for subjective reasons.
[…]
"We call on
"the authors of the legislative amendment to withdraw the bill;
"the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia to devote the parliamentary hearings scheduled for March 31 to conceptual approaches to regulate the Internet, as without this, isolated legislative initiatives cannot be effective;
"the legislative and executive authorities of the Republic of Armenia to develop legislation related to the field of modern communications solely in the context of standards developed and adopted by European institutions and in full compliance with them;
"all interested individuals and organizations to realize the importance of self-regulation in the field of information and contribute to the task of developing its mechanisms in Armenia," reads the statement, in part.
Signatories:
Yerevan Press Club
Media Diversity Institute – Armenia
Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression
Media Initiatives Center (formerly Internews Armenia)
Freedom of Information Center of Armenia
Asparez Journalists Club
Public Journalism Club
Media Ethics Observatory
Information Disputes Council
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