OSCE urges Türkiye to review 'disinformation bill'
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The media freedom representative of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has called on Türkiye's government to review a new bill aimed at criminalizing the spread of disinformation.
"I recognise that disinformation poses serious challenges to our societies in today's fast-growing digital environment, nevertheless, the vague definitions and broad scope of the newly proposed legislation can lead to arbitrary and politically motivated actions at the expense of free speech and media pluralism," Teresa Ribeiro said in a statement yesterday (October 10).
The bill named "Draft Bill on the Amendment of the Press Law and Some Laws" brings prison sentences of up to three years for "disseminating misleading information." It is expected to affect not only journalists, but also social media users.
"Necessity and proportionality"
Any legislation potentially limiting free speech should strongly respect the principles of necessity and proportionality, and should not unduly hinder the fundamental right to freedom of expression, Ribeiro warned.
"The most effective means to counter disinformation is to ensure timely access to information, promote media plurality, media and information literacy among the wider public as well as independent and transparent fact-checking.
"I call on the Turkish lawmakers to carefully assess and review the provisions of the bill in order to ensure safeguards for independent journalism and free expression in line with relevant principles of international law and OSCE commitments that Türkiye has pledged to uphold."
Amid protests from journalists, the parliament has so far passed 14 articles of the 40-article bill, which also tackles issues like the inclusion of online news outlets within the scope of the Press Law.
About the billAccording to the "Draft Bill on the Amendment of the Press Law and Some Laws," those who work for internet news portals will be regarded as journalists and they will be able to apply to the Department of Communication for a press credential. Public employees working in information services in public institutions, radios and televisions will also be able to receive press credentials. Internet news portals will be taken within the scope of periodical publications. The proposal reads, "Those who publicly distribute information which is not really related with the security of the country inside or outside, public order or public health with the purpose of creating concern, fear or panic among the people in a manner that domestic peace may be destroyed will be punished with an imprisonment sentence of 1 to 3 years. With the proposal, reporting offensive content related to the National Intelligence Agency activities and personnel is included within the scope of catalog crimes. |
(HA/VK)