Fake news bill to ‘factor in’ press freedom concerns

Concerns over freedom of speech will be factored in during upcoming discussions over the controversial fake news bill, Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis said on Friday.

Speaking to the state broadcaster a day after a meeting with a number of stakeholders ranging from the media industry, bar association and legal service, Hartsiotis said the contentious element of the bill lies with the aspect of regulating online content.

“We understand the concerns of the journalism and publishing industry. The right to free speech much be protected.”

The bill criminalises publishing fake content and provides for a jail term. It is up to the attorney-general to determine whether something constitutes as defamation.

It has been slammed by journalism groups both local and international and after mounting criticism, the government announced on Thursday it would not head to vote in September as planned but would be subject to more discussion.

A special team of experts will be set up to try and address the concerns, Hartsiotis said.

He added that although he could understand concerns from the journalistic sphere, there was still a need to protect individuals from online harassment, slander and fake posts.

The bill has been accused of being a guise to gag journalists.

It provides for jail time for the dissemination of fake news, which has been described as a “chilling effect” on media freedom that will inevitably push journalists to self-censor.

The International Press Institute warned the bill “exacerbates the potential for arbitrary enforcement, with the risk of those in power ending up repressing legitimate dissent and criticism”.

Deputy AG Savvas Angelides has ardently defended the bill, saying it is necessary to “draw the line between freedom of speech and recklessness”.

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has been alerted over the matter by Akel MP Irene Charalambides, and is expected to issue a legal opinion.