KSU expresses its concern on proposed Media and Defamation Bill.
KSU would like to first of all note and augur the fact that lawmakers have decided to review the archaic Press Act, enacted in 1974. We believe that the safeguarding and regularisation of freedom of expression and the principle of an independent and free media in this day and age are extremely important.
Nonetheless, KSU would like to express its concern with regards to some of the aspects of the Media and Defamation Act proposed by the Government of Malta. We believe that certain issues have not tackled with the caution needed and have thus, caused considerable concern amongst students.
KSU and the Social Policy commission would like to bring forward a number of points that have been noted and need further clarification. We see that the main problem of the Media and Defamation Act is that of the establishment of a media register of online websites. The discussion turned towards how the law defines websites and news portals. The bill defines websites as:
“any web-based news service or other web-based service relating to news or current affairs that operates from Malta or in respect of which editorial decisions are taken in Malta.”
A number of issues were raised due to the vagueness of the statement effectively covering most online material that is published online. This includes material that is published on forums and on personal blog sites commonly resorted to by students nowadays. The commission thus agreed that such statements will need further analysis and clarification before anything is to be implemented by the Government. We need to sure that freedom of speech is respected and Maltese citizens feel at liberty to discuss current affairs without any hindrance.
KSU and University student organisations is thus asking for clarification on the terminology being used in the act. This would eventually result in amendments in the bill proposed since we are still in time to amend and adjust the legal aspects. This entails making sure that a holistic and appropriate bill safeguards Maltese citizens’ rights and obligations and allows a healthy debate to pursue in a civilised manner.