The Venezuelan parliament passed a law Monday banning for the first time Internet content that promotes social unrest, challenges authority or condones crime, fuelling outrage by the opposition. The law was pushed through the unicameral National Assembly in less than a week by President Hugo Chavez's ruling party.
The vote came just 10 days before a new assembly in which the opposition has swelled its ranks takes seat on January 5, following September legislative elections. The new law expands 2004 restrictions on content in radio, television and print media. In an unprecedented move, it now also includes content from the Internet and electronic subscription services, making webpage managers "responsible for the information and content" published on their websites."
It is meant to crack down on media content that "makes an apology of crime," "promotes unrest in the population" or "challenges legally established authorities." Webpage managers must now "establish mechanisms to restrict, without delay, the diffusion of messages... that are included in the ban." The measure increases fines imposed on media violations to "10 percent of the previous year's gross income," in addition to "72 hours of continuous suspension of services." Groups can also lose their media license if they commit repeat offenses.