The Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) and the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) organized the first discussion forum on amendments to the Law on Audiovisual Media and the Law on Electronic Communications in the Republic of Albania on December 17, 2018.

These draft laws aim to establish a legal framework for regulating the content of information provided by online publication service providers, in order to guarantee the right to information, the right of reply, and the protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual.

Reporters and media representatives present at the meeting, in general, were skeptical about the proposed amendments. Their main concerns were separated into three parts:

1- According to them the changes in the law are unconstitutional and violate the freedom of the media.

2- They agreed that some points of the law can amended regarding slander and fake news, but it should be done in a way that does not affect the freedom of speech.


3- They also considered the amendments ineffective since abusers of the law can still use new technologies and social networks to express their opinions.

In the coming days, AMA is expected to prepare a document with all the issues raised during the meeting, forward it to all the participants and make the calendar of the next meetings for discussions on draft laws public.