A group of deputies are preparing a law to regulate social media, after Nicolás Maduro pointed out WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok as instruments “that multiply hatred and fascism” in the country, the ruling PSUV party, with a large majority in the National Assembly (AN), reported on Thursday.
In a press release, Congresswoman Imarú González said that the objective is to “review or create a norm” that regulates the use of social networks, given their “growing negative impact” on “children and adolescents” and “the violence unleashed on these digital platforms.”
He also noted that the discussion is in response to “the call” of Maduro, who recently said that in Venezuela there is “no type of national regulation” on this matter.
For his part, the pro-government legislator Juan Carlos Alemán, president of the Parliament’s Communications Commission, proposed that the regulation be included in the Electronic Media Bill, and that one of its objectives be for companies to “have an office in the national territory” to be contacted in case “the country’s laws are violated.”
On Tuesday, Maduro denounced a “cybernetic, fascist and criminal coup d’état” that “is on WhatsApp and all social networks,” which seeks, according to the president, “to get into the minds of Venezuelans.”
In this alleged coup d’état, Maduro linked the magnate Elon Musk and a “satanic sect” that the businessman – he said – “runs in the US of multimillionaires,” without showing any proof of these accusations.
Last Monday, the head of state said that WhatsApp is used in the country to threaten military and police officers, as well as community leaders, so he asked the population to delete the platform voluntarily, progressively and radically.
Maduro made these accusations after the country held presidential elections on July 28 in which he was re-elected for a third consecutive term, according to the National Electoral Council (CNE). This result was rejected by the majority opposition, which denounced “fraud” and which generated multiple protests in the country, seen by the Government as “criminal” and “terrorist” actions.
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2024-09-06 10:04:07
Venezuela to Introduce Social Media Regulation Law Amid Concerns of Hate Speech and Cybercrime
In a move to tackle the growing concerns of hate speech, fascism, and cybercrime, a group of Venezuelan deputies are preparing a law to regulate social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. The decision comes after President Nicolás Maduro pointed out these platforms as instruments that “multiply hatred and fascism” in the country.
The Need for Regulation
The proposed law aims to review or create a norm that regulates the use of social networks, given their “growing negative impact” on children and adolescents, as well as the violence unleashed on these digital platforms. Congresswoman Imarú González, a member of the ruling PSUV party, emphasized the importance of regulating social media to prevent the spread of harmful content.
“The rise of social media has brought about new challenges, and it’s our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure that these platforms are used responsibly,” González said.
Maduro’s Concerns
President Maduro’s concerns about social media are not unfounded. In recent weeks, he has accused WhatsApp and other social media platforms of being used to promote hate speech, fascism, and even a “cybernetic, fascist and criminal coup d’état.” He has also linked Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, to a “satanic sect” that allegedly promotes these ideologies.
Regulation Proposals
Juan Carlos Alemán, the president of the Parliament’s Communications Commission, has proposed that the regulation be included in the Electronic Media Bill. One of the objectives of the regulation is to require social media companies to have an office in the national territory, which would enable authorities to contact them in case of any violations of the country’s laws.
Benefits of Regulation
The proposed regulation is expected to have several benefits, including:
- Reduction of Hate Speech: By regulating social media, the government aims to reduce the spread of hate speech and harmful ideologies that promote fascism and violence.
- Protection of Children and Adolescents: The regulation will help protect children and adolescents from online harassment, cyberbullying, and other forms of exploitation.
- Prevention of Cybercrime: By requiring social media companies to have an office in the national territory, the government will be able to hold them accountable for any violations of the country’s laws, including cybercrime.
Global Context
Venezuela’s move to regulate social media is part of a larger trend globally. Many countries, including Germany, France, and Australia, have introduced laws and regulations to tackle the negative consequences of social media. In the United States, there are ongoing debates about the need to regulate social media companies, particularly with regards to their role in spreading misinformation and promoting hate speech.
Conclusion
The proposed regulation of social media in Venezuela is a welcome move that aims to promote responsible use of these platforms. By regulating social media, the government can help reduce the spread of hate speech, protect children and adolescents, and prevent cybercrime. As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by social media, Venezuela’s move serves as a reminder of the need for effective regulation and oversight.
Keywords: Venezuela, social media regulation, Nicolás Maduro, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, cybercrime, hate speech, fascism, Elon Musk.
