Draft bill violates freedom of speech

THE DRAFT Films and Publications Amendment Regulations for digital media platforms are unconstitutional and violate South Africans’ right to freedom of speech and expression.

The application of the regulations is extensive and far-reaching and affords the Film and Publications Board broad discretionary powers over what may be published on internet platforms. The proposed amendments are vague, impractical and vulnerable to exploitation, so the government will be able to control speech.

The regulations are completely out of touch with the international approach to regulating content on the internet and other global platforms.

The Films and Publications Amendment Act (known as the Internet Censorship Bill) in terms of which these regulations will be issued, has not yet been promulgated.

Thus, these regulations are premature. They are extremely dangerous and afford the minister powers that have no place in a healthy democracy.

The regulations can easily be exploited by a future ruling party and they undermine the freedom of speech.

The ANC government’s intended over-regulation of the internet and other publications sets the alarm bells ringing.

It also demonstrates the government’s contempt for the Constitution. In addition, the notion of obtaining approval for nearly all video material, as proposed by the draft regulations, is impractical and ill-considered.

South Africans have until September 17 to object to these draft regulations.

WOUTER WESSELS | FF Plus MP