Türkiye should review the new draft disinformation bill to fully align with OSCE media freedom commitments, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative

VIENNA, 10 October 2022 – OSCE Media Freedom Representative Teresa Ribeiro expressed her concern today regarding the “Draft Bill on the Amendment of the Press Law and Some Laws,” that is currently being debated in the Turkish Parliament. The proposed law aims at criminalising the spread of disinformation in the online sphere with possible jail sentences of up to three years.

“I recognise that disinformation poses serious challenges to our societies in today’s fast-growing digital environment, nevertheless, the vague definitions and broad scope of the newly proposed legislation can lead to arbitrary and politically motivated actions at the expense of free speech and media pluralism.”

The Representative further stated that any legislation potentially limiting free speech should strongly respect the principles of necessity and proportionality in line with international standards and OSCE commitments, and should not unduly hinder the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

“The most effective means to counter disinformation is to ensure timely access to information, promote media plurality, media and information literacy among the wider public as well as independent and transparent fact-checking. I call on the Turkish lawmakers to carefully assess and review the provisions of the bill in order to ensure safeguards for independent journalism and free expression in line with relevant principles of international law and OSCE commitments that Türkiye has pledged to uphold,” Ribeiro concluded.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.