Italy
Government bill threatens investigative journalism in ItalyPosted Oct 14 2011
The Italian Parliament discussed the fate of a bill that could have some major implications concerning online expression.
The bill says that websites will no longer publish phone taps without a previous control by judges to avoid “inadequate” content. Second, websites will have to modify or delete automatically any content prone to complaint within 48 hours without appeal.
Reporters Without Borders writes that the bill is against both European and wider international principles. Besides, along with undermining the freedom of information, RWB says the bill has a political dimension. “The government is trying to cover up the prime minister [Silvio Berlusconi]’s sex scandals, many of which have been exposed by the publication of phone transcripts,” RWB writes.
The bill has been discussed for more than a year. In 2010, RWB took the same position.
This time, Wikipedia itself voiced its opposition by closing its Italian site. Its statement said, “The obligation to publish on our site corrections required by the law, without even the right to discuss and verify the claim, is an unacceptable restriction of the freedom and independence of Wikipedia.”
The bill was partially changed, addressing the restrictions to the official news sites only, and Wikipedia reopened its Italian version. Still, demonstrations took place in Rome to oppose the bill.
The newest version of the bill is pending.