The public consultations on the amendment regarding administrative liability for online disinformation, scheduled for Friday during a meeting at Parliament, have been postponed.
Society, journalists, and the opposition strongly criticized the legislative initiative from PAS lawmakers, expressing concerns that the project could threaten freedom of expression if it becomes law, writes TVR Moldova.
According to the Contravention Code, individuals who spread “false or misleading information, whose nature can be verified” online risk fines ranging from 2,500 to 15,000 lei. The sanctions would apply to those who deliberately mislead the public on the internet or cause harm to democratic processes, public health, or national security. Those promoting hate speech or attempting to influence voters would also face penalties. Some civil society representatives believe the legislative initiative is ambiguous and incomplete, with the potential for suppressing a free press.
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“Who will designate the authority to determine intent to misinform, and what guarantees exist to prevent this rule from being used against the free press, as Russia offensively uses this concept against the free press there? A punitive initiative is not feasible in the short term because no institution can analyze and sanction thousands of daily posts on Telegram,” said ANDREI CURARARU, a security expert with Watch Dog.
“Additionally, pro-Russian forces could turn this law against freedom of expression if they come to power following parliamentary elections in Moldova.”
“Similar proposals have been made in Turkey, also in the context of elections. In this case, the Venice Commission directly stated that these changes threaten freedom of expression.
A parliamentary majority that does not support freedom of expression could easily turn these provisions against democracy in Moldova if elected in the next election,” added CORNELIA COZONAC, President of the Center for Investigative Journalism in Moldova.
After the criticisms, the lawmakers withdrew the bill from the agenda.
“I proposed to Ms. Marcela Adam, representative of the Culture, Mass Media, and Education Committee since this amendment requires further discussion, I proposed and hope she will agree to take this initiative to the committee platform and, together with the Legal Committee, finalize this amendment. Therefore, if you agree today, we will not discuss this change, as it requires much more discussion,” concluded VERONICA ROSCA, President of the Legal, Appointments, and Immunities Committee.
Parliament registered the amendment regarding online disinformation on March 17, 2025.