Netanyahu orders a halt to legislation that increases censorship of Facebook
Maayan bin Hamo
Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered to stop legislation of a law that increases censorship in the network, just moments before its final approval in the Knesset: "The bill harms the freedom of expression"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the suspension of the enactment of a law called the "Facebook Law" which aims to censor the inflammatory content of the Internet, which has been pushed forward by Justice Minister Aylet Shaked and Minister of Internal Security Gilad Arad in recent months. On Wednesday, MKs came out for a summer break, indicating that the bill was delayed for several months.
In a statement to the Likud Party, Netanyahu's decision was explained: "For fear of harming freedom of expression and to guarantee the rights of Israeli citizens to freely express their criticism of the network, Prime Minister Netanyahu asked to stop the enactment of the Facebook Law and return it to its original formula, Terrorism in the network. The prime minister believes that the current wording of the law leaves room for many interpretations that may allow the monitoring of opinions and serious damage to freedom of expression in the State of Israel. "
According to the bill, which was approved about a year and a half ago in the Knesset's General Assembly, the Israeli court is able, based on a state request, to decide on Internet sites and applications, such as Facebook or Google, to remove enticing content from the network. Criminal or actual security harm to the public or the State. While similar laws in other countries fight terrorism and pornography, Israel has demanded that the law include all criminal offenses committed by one party only.
"Strong democracy can protect itself from incitement to terrorism while at the same time maintaining the right to freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate," said Knesset Member Revital Sewid, following the postponement of the debate on the bill. "I appeal to the Prime Minister, the Ministers and the Attorney General and ask them to stop this dangerous step because it is still possible to do so and to take care that the law is appropriate," she said.
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