New Moldova media censorship law creates state-controlled register
At an extraordinary session, Moldova’s Parliament has given final approval to a new media law, backed by 52 MPs from the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). Critics say the legislation opens the way to sweeping censorship by giving the authorities broad powers over media outlets.
The bill adopted today has drawn objections even from the Audiovisual Council Moldova, an institution generally regarded as loyal to the current authorities. Critics argue that the wording is so vague that the restrictions could potentially be applied to virtually any publication.
The Moldova media censorship law introduces additional rules governing the operation of media organisations and creates a special register administered by the Ministry of Culture.
One of the main changes is the establishment of a register of media service providers. To be included, editorial offices will be required to disclose personal information about their owners and ultimate beneficiaries.
State subsidies for government-friendly media
The new legislation will also allow media outlets supportive of the authorities to receive state subsidies directly from the public budget.
This means taxpayers’ money could legally be used to finance media organisations aligned with the government, raising further questions about editorial independence and the authorities’ influence over the information space.
For critics, the combination of a state-run register, disclosure requirements and public subsidies creates a framework in which the government gains significantly greater leverage over the media sector. With broadly drafted provisions capable of wide interpretation, concerns are likely to persist over how selectively the new rules could be enforced.
