The OSCE expresses its concern about the ultimatum set by the Albanian Government for online portal registration or endangering their closure.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Rama expressed today concerns over this issue, while writing that the initiative could have a very negative effect on media freedom."States should not impose compulsory online media registration as a prerequisite for their work, which can have a very negative effect on media freedom. This practice, when implemented, can significantly limit public access to diverse sources of information and pluralism of voices, as well as erode the right to freedom of expression and information online," Désir said.
The Representative called on the Albanian authorities to review these measures, to consider all possible alternatives to address the defamation issue, and to start a comprehensive debate with relevant civil society and media actors.
"It is very important to provide more information about the precise objectives of the announced measures, as well as the criteria on the basis of which these 44 sites have been selected," Désir added. Further, he requested clarification of the legal basis for the NIPT publication request from these websites, as well as the legal basis for closing websites.
At the end of the letter to the Prime Minister, the OSCE representative provided his legal assistance. Désir brought to his attention the recommendations of his Office for the protection of media freedom and freedom of expression in online content regulation in South East Europe, stressing that any online content regulation should take into account international obligations, including OSCE commitments.