The House Legal Affairs committee on Wednesday will begin discussing again a draft bill regarding fake news – a crucial issue that lacks legislation in Cyprus.
The issue which has been discussed more than once in the past comes shortly after House President Annita Demetriou filed a police report over fake news articles targeting her and her family.
The bill, to be discussed in the presence of new Justice Minister Anna Prokopiou, deals with harassment that takes place either by phone call, texts, or online, Philenews reports.
An investigation into the relevant laws in force in other EU member states has taken place covering what is in force and the kind of penalties imposed for each and every violation.
In other European countries, those who spread false news are punished with a fine of a few thousand euros and up to prison sentences.
The level of penalties is proportional to the seriousness of the offence and the extent of the consequences and harm caused to the victim, and varies from country to country. For example, spreading false news is punishable by eight years’ imprisonment, hate speech by up to five years’, harassment by six years’ and offences against respect for privacy by two years’.
In addition, sexual harassment and terrorism are punishable by seven years’ imprisonment. And insulting the honour of another person and misuse of means of payment are punishable by three years’ imprisonment.
Moreover, information systems’ offences are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
