By: Sara Kovač (Nova24tv.si)
The Ministry of Digital Transformation has prepared a draft law on the implementation of the regulation on the single market for digital services. The regulation will update the rules for using the internet. The draft law establishes a so-called coordinator of digital services or the competent authority for the implementation and supervision of the regulation. This authority has been assigned to the Agency for Communication Networks and Services of the Republic of Slovenia (AKOS). AKOS is already an institution influenced by the ruling authorities. It is worth noting that they recently demanded that Nova24TV remove a segment from the show Kdo vam laže (‘Who’s Lying to You’).
“The socialist regime has finally shown its true face by establishing a Gestapo with a network of informants who will report to the regime about anyone who says anything controversial. They have deliberately begun this now. They aim to provoke a strong reaction from the opposition, as it demonstrated too much constructive and nation-building spirit during the floods, jeopardising their plans. Therefore, it is sensible to quietly arm oneself for the eventuality of the introduction of a socialist dictatorship, but not to react radically to an attack on freedom of speech,” believes commentator Tomaž Štih.
The draft law outlines the powers of AKOS and regulatory measures, offenses, and sanctions for the implementation of the “online police”. It specifies certain tasks for AKOS and the ministry responsible for information society, related to creating a supportive environment for a safe and trustworthy internet, as well as procedures for the removal of illegal content.
Who are verified researchers and trusted reporters
The draft law also defines procedures for confirming or certifying entities for extrajudicial dispute resolution and for granting the status of verified researchers and trusted reporters. The latter will be at the forefront in the fight against the dissemination of extensive amounts of ‘illegal’ user-generated content through online intermediary platforms. It is expected that with their reports, the majority of undoubtedly illegal content will be removed before the elimination of illegality through the internal complaints resolution mechanism and the use of judicial procedures.
The question is, who are these verified researchers and trusted reporters, whose reports will remove ‘illegal content’? In reality, Golob’s government is introducing a new secret police. They are searching for people to spy on others, about what they write.
The first proposals for verified researchers and trusted reporters, unofficially: 😉
– B. Vasev
– D. Jefim
– Petrinjo
– B. Rajgelj
– Dentista (Jure Poglajen)
– Institute March 8th
– FDV (Faculty of Social Sciences)
– M. Crnković
– Novica Mihajlović
– Strategic Council for Hate Speech and DNS (collective)
🍿 https://t.co/MPt1BWN8dD
— BojanPožar (@BojanPozar) August 15, 2023
Former judge of the European Court of Human Rights, Boštjan M. Zupančič, commented on the intention of Golob’s government, stating that it is a cause for alarm. “At its core, this proposal is: firstly, illegitimate; secondly, unlawful; thirdly, unconstitutional; and fourthly, in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.”