Bill to Remove Online Incitement Is Undemocratic, Israel's Government Watchdogs Warn
The legislation, known as the “Facebook bill,” is expected to come up for a vote before Israel’s parliament next week
16:01
13.07.18
Government watchdogs in Israel are warning about the negative consequences for free speech should the parliament pass legislation known as the “Facebook bill,” which is expected to come up for a vote next week.
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First proposed in 2016 and soon endorsed by government ministers, the law would allow a court to order social media networks to remove content deemed to be inciting terrorism without the current due process requirements.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: APצילום: אלכס קולומויסקי
“The bill reflects a need to deal with harmful content published on social media but it does so in too broad with potential to cause more harm,” the letter says. “The bill allows for a level in invasiveness that does not exist in any other democratic country.”
The bill would allow prosecutors and government attorneys to fast-track a court petition and have content removed if it threatens to endanger public safety, national security, the life of an individual, or the country’s economy and infrastructure.
קראו עוד בכלכליסט:
Facebook and other social networks already collaborate with the Israeli government, voluntarily accepting the vast majority of requests to remove content Israel calls online incitement.
