Expert in information security Samvel Martirosyan says the initiative of the Prime Minister to combat fakes and relevant instructions to the National Security Service is problematic since no legislation in Armenia regulates the field.
“There is no definition of the concept fake in our legislation. Moreover, individuals are not forbidden to act anonymously and there is no law banning manipulations,” Martirosyan said reminding of the existing practice for every citizen to file lawsuits against media outlet with demands for publishing refutations.
Among negative parts of the initiative speaker listed actions by the NSS ranging from searches in media outlets and bloggers’ houses to wiretapping.
“As to the positive side of the initiative it is the control over the financial flows as we have respective legislation about media,” Martirosyan said.
Martirosyan’s main concern, however, is that media outlets may fall victim to the initiative. “I do not think it is right for the Security Service to deal with this since the existing legislation does not provide enough room for the agency to act,” added the expert.
To remind, earlier on Thursday, PM Pashinyan said some “criminal circles spend millions to manipulate the public opinion on media and social media networks” which to him is an issue of national security. The PM instructed the Chief of the National Security Service to address the matter. Pashinyan, however, noted the proposed actions should in no way endanger the guaranteed rights of the freedom of speech and information.