The Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan has put forward an initiative to ban the dissemination of false information across media platforms, the internet, and social networks. This proposal, currently open for public discussion, aims to prevent the spread of misinformation that could provoke unrest, influence elections, and contribute to fraud or propaganda during international conflicts, according to the news agency AKIpress.
The ministry has proposed amendments to the Code of Offenses to include an article prohibiting the dissemination of false information through mass media, websites, and social media pages. The ministry of culture states that this change is intended to protect public interests, uphold the rights and freedoms of citizens, and ensure information security. The ministry warns that the spread of fake news can lead to panic and disrupt public order.
For instance, false reports about terrorist attacks or epidemics could incite mass unrest and put lives at risk. Misinformation can also sway elections and be used to discredit candidates, parties, or public institutions. Additionally, such information may be exploited for fraudulent purposes or serve as a tool for propaganda and disinformation. The initiative's authors hope that these measures will reduce the threat of information attacks and increase public awareness of the importance of critical thinking when consuming online content.
The ministry also proposes the establishment of a media authority with the power to impose and collect fines from those who violate this ban.
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Based on TASS materials