Changes to the law on mass media entered into force in Belarus

The main changes and additions to the law on mass media, aimed at improving legal relations in the media sphere, entered into force on December 1.

In particular, the conceptual apparatus of the law on mass media has been expanded — it is complemented by the terms “online publication”, “owner of an Internet resource”, “Internet resource” and others. Internet resources, which are engaged in the dissemination of mass information, are given the opportunity to pass state registration in order to become a network publication. Its employees will enjoy the same rights as traditional media journalists. At the same time, state registration will be voluntary.

For the first time, the law on mass media establishes the rights and obligations of the owner of an Internet resource. Responsibilities include identifying users who post informational messages or materials on the site, including leaving their comments.

The provision approved by the Council of Ministers of Belarus stipulates that preliminary identification will be carried out when a user creates an account on an Internet resource by entering into a user agreement. The owner of the Internet resource must ensure the compliance of this agreement (including the part of the list of collected personal user data) with the requirements of the Belarusian legislation.

To activate the account, the user will be sent an SMS with a code to the mobile phone number indicated when filling in the user agreement or using other identification data and technical means to identify his / her identity. In this case, for one mobile phone number or one set of other identification data, it will be possible to register only one account on each specific Internet resource.

After activating the account, the user can post messages or materials on the site, including comments to the messages of other users of this Internet resource, subject to authorization on the site (to do this you will need to enter the login and password specified during registration).

On the air of the STV channel, the First Deputy Minister of Information, Pavel Light, commented on the procedure for preliminary identification of site users approved by the Council of Ministers. “This practice is not new, it is quite common, and many Belarusian resources use this practice. In fact, no great innovations occur — the process is being streamlined. And we expect that this will make the discussion on the network much more cultural, we will be able to put at least some barriers to rudeness, insults and protect the honor and dignity of those citizens who believe that the current situation does not allow them to protect their rights on the Internet”, — he said.

In addition, the list of types of information whose distribution is prohibited is expanded. Such information includes additional information that encourages suicide, inappropriate advertising. It also provides information on how to make explosive devices and explosives. Under the protection of personal data of minors who suffered as a result of illegal actions: last name, first name, patronymic, date of birth, place of residence and study, photo and video image of the child, his parents.

The law provides for clear requirements in terms of ensuring the volume of television programs of the Belarusian (national) production. It is about 15% for six months and 30% for two years.

The norms of the updated law are aimed at ensuring the most effective information security of the state and the realization of the rights of citizens to receive complete, reliable and timely information.