EU supports Commission for tackling disinformation with European experts, Gonzato: Improvement of legal framework

Sonila Mehmeti — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 17:48:19 +0000

TIRANA, Oct 28 /ATA/ The special commission against disinformation will be supported by the European Union with a group of experts from EU member states.
For this purpose, the EU is conducting training sessions where the EU ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, emphasized that the work of the special commission should not threaten media freedom in the country.
“All initiatives to tackle disinformation and ensure safeguarding of media freedom cannot come at the expense of one another. The fight against foreign interference or disinformation is not simply about regulating online media or, worse, content moderation; it requires a broader approach that includes improving the legal framework for intervention in democratic processes. Regarding transparency and broad access, consultations with civil society must continue, as they are very important,” emphasized Gonzato.
The chairman of the disinformation commission, Erion Braçe, stated that “the work of this commission has highlighted the lack of a legal framework for tackling disinformation, as well as the need to formalize online media.”
“We lack the necessary legal framework and infrastructure to effectively tackle disinformation and, above all, cyber attacks,” Braçe stated.
Braçe vuri në dukje se “liria e shprehjes dhe informimit janë jetike për një demokraci, sidomos në sektorin e posaçëm të medias, ku liria e shprehjes është themelore, ndërsa informalet nuk ndodhen në asnjë regjistër të shtetit shqiptar”.

Braçe highlighted that “freedom of expression and information are vital for a democracy, especially in the specific sector of media, where freedom of expression is fundamental, while informal entities are not recorded in any register of the Albanian state.”
The executive director of SCiDEV and representative of the SafeJournalists Network in Albania, Blerjana Bino, stated that “currently, our concerns include the lack of broader engagement in the hearings, delays in involving and consulting with experts, civil society, and the media, as well as delays in publishing decisions. We also call for improved coordination among parliamentary committees and the inclusion of the opposition to ensure a comprehensive and transparent process.”

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EU-commission-disinformation – Albanian Telegraphic Agency.

EU supports Commission for tackling disinformation with European experts, Gonzato: Improvement of legal framework