Moldova modernizes legal framework for security, combating disinformation

The parliament of Moldova today adopted, in the second reading, a draft law aimed at strengthening the national security. The document establishes the structure, responsibilities and competencies of the involved authorities, as well as the necessary measures for protecting citizens' fundamental rights and freedoms.

The legislative initiative, developed by a group of MPs of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), proposes renaming the Supreme Security Council to the National Security Council (NSC), a central coordinating and decision-making body in the field of security, which will collaborate with all competent authorities.

At the same time, the parliament ruled to transfer the Center for Strategic Communication and Combating Disinformation under the direct authority of the Moldova’s President. The institution will be renamed into the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation and will play a crucial role in preventing and mitigating the impact of disinformation in the public sphere. The director of the center will become an ex-officio member of the National Security Council.

Also, the advisory council of the Center was restructured to include experts from various fields and will provide recommendations, in order to optimize the institution's activity. The draft also extends the validity of the Strategic Communication Concept until 2030, in order to ensure a coherent and effective approach in combating disinformation.