This content is a detailed statement by Ali Azari, the spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s Legal and Judicial Commission, regarding a new draft bill aimed at combating the spread of “false news content” on social media. Azari, a prominent public figure in Iran, has expressed strong opposition to the bill, warning that its approval could harm press freedom and undermine the healthy functioning of the journalism profession. During a parliamentary session on Sunday, Azari emphasized the urgency and importance of stopping the spread of unverified information, and he firmly opposed any legislation that could be interpreted as creating a “safe haven” for corrupt individuals in both governmental and non-governmental sectors. He criticized the proposed legislation for being too underdeveloped, lacking necessary resources and mechanisms to control the complexities of cyberspace. Azari also highlighted the disparities in terminology used to describe the issue, such as the use of vague and interpretive language to label it as “false content,” “public confusion,” “stakeholder,” and “irreparable damage.” He warned that if the bill were passed, the potential consequences would be significant: it might lead to an excess of criminal cases, increase judicial负担, and discomfort public trust in the media and law enforcement. Azari called for a more thoughtful and precise approach to regulating online content, emphasizing the need to uphold the principles of freedom of expression and prevent the overreach of rules that could stifle legitimate innovation and wit. He stressed that any attempt toداد any open interpretation of the law risks perpetuating cycles of corruption and misinformation. In the end, Azari’s call for stricter regulation reflects the growing challenge facing Iran in dealing with the ever-growing pool of “false news” and the broader issue of disengagement from the news cycle. His words serve as a reminder of the constant struggle between the need to keep the press free from misinformation and the responsibility to ensure that the law operates with dignity and transparency. It is a powerful statement of enduring struggle and a call to action for a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of media regulation in a democracy that increasingly demands accountability.
