OSCE Representative raises concerns regarding Ukrainian draft law to counter threats to national security in the information sphere
VIENNA, 6 July 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today raised concerns regarding the draft law “On changes to some legislative acts of Ukraine on countering threats to national security in the information sphere”, as it may endanger free access to information online.
“I call on the lawmakers to seriously reconsider the text of the draft law and balance security concerns with the citizens’ right to free expression and free media,” Désir said.
The bill, among other things, grants additional powers and competencies to the law-enforcement agencies of Ukraine, particularly in the area of blocking access to different kinds of online information services. The Representative earlier presented an expert legal review of the draft law to the authorities, which offers a number of recommendations in line with OSCE media freedom commitments and international standards (see www.osce.org/fom/350791).
“While I share the national security concerns of Ukraine, the draft bill should entail specific and clear measures aimed at protecting the principles of transparency, proportionality and necessity, and avoid the application of overly broad and excessive measures affecting the dissemination of online content in Ukraine,” Désir said. “The draft law also lacks provisions ensuring effective judicial oversight and due process regarding decisions on blocking of access to services.”
The Representative noted relevant concerns expressed by the civil society organizations of Ukraine regarding the draft law and offered the assistance of his Office in providing further legal advice and expert policy recommendations.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter:@OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.