Social media's regulation priority for Moldova's Action and Solidarity Party in new parliament, says parliament speaker

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu says that Moldova urgently needs clear regulations for the informational space, in order to effectively combat disinformation campaigns without affecting the freedom of speech. In this regard, regulating social networks is a priority for the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) in the new parliament. The statements were made during a show at the Rlive television station.

The speaker pointed out that, without clear national norms, authorities cannot ask international digital platforms comply with certain rules.

"The first question these giants might ask us is: what are your national regulations that we should comply with? And we don't have a clear answer to this question so far," noted Grosu.

He specified that there are certain powers only for traditional media institutions, monitored by the Audiovisual Council; yet, social networks stay unregulated.

"Precisely for this reason, we must develop these norms together. We have already had post-campaign discussions with the president of the Audiovisual Council and agreed that something needs to be done. A broad and honest discussion would be highly recommended."

Igor Grosu said that the need for clear regulations had been also highlighted by the Constitutional Court.

"We are obliged, because everyone acknowledges that we need regulations. One of the main addresses of the Constitutional Court from the moment the results were validated was that we need regulations for this informational space," he stated.

According to Igor Grosu, when disinformation is produced by state entities, criminal groups or political parties deliberately engaging in such campaigns, it can no longer be about the freedom of expression.

At the same time, the parliament speaker said that the authorities need to conduct a wide evaluation of the previous electoral campaign, in order to identify problems  and prevent future anomalies.

"We need to sit down, take the report of the Central Electoral Commission as a basis, invite the Audiovisual Council, the media, civil society, political parties, the Intelligence and Security Service, the police and other relevant institutions, and have a sincere discussion," said Igor Grosu.

The official emphasized that one of the priorities was the protection of the informational space and combating electoral corruption, including by sanctioning illegal party financing. According to Grosu, the ways of influence and illegal financing have been diversified, switching from 'carriers' to the use of cryptocurrencies and other unregulated financial instruments.