Cabinet approves bill to ban warmongering, violence-promoting broadcasts, foreign meddling content

The Cabinet approved a bill on Thursday banning television and radio content that promotes violence, cruelty, or the violent overthrow of the constitutional order. The regulations also aim to prevent the spread of fake news.

The bill was drafted by the Ministry of High-Tech Industry.

The new regulations would also prohibit harmful content aired by foreign television and radio programs that interfere with Armenia’s domestic political life.

The amendments to the Law on Audio and Visual Media envision revising and clarifying broadcast regulations by specifying more concrete cases in which they apply. In particular, the law will prohibit the dissemination of content promoting the violent overthrow of the constitutional order, warmongering, inciting violence and cruelty, or pursuing similar objectives, Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan said in a statement.

The amendments propose the introduction of a new provision, according to which the dissemination of content that interferes with Armenia's domestic political life will be prohibited in foreign audiovisual programs.

The draft clarifies the legal grounds, criteria, and implementation mechanisms for the suspension and termination of licenses for network operators. The requirements concerning the activities of audiovisual program distributors have also been reviewed and amended. Additions and changes have been made to the section regarding fines, particularly in relation to cases of operating in violation of the law. A new article has been added that regulates the procedure for suspending and terminating the licenses of network operators.

The adoption of the bill is expected to prevent ambiguous interpretations and ensure a predictable legal environment for entities operating in the broadcasting sector. Equal competitive conditions will be established, ensuring fair competition, eliminating abuses of monopolistic positions, and reducing the risks of unequal conditions in the market.

"At the same time, the amendments aim to restrict the spread of harmful information affecting citizens, allowing for the prevention of disinformation or promotion of violence, hate speech, and other damaging content," the Minister stated.

Legal mechanisms for information protection will be established, allowing for the containment of external influences on Armenia's media space, ensuring control and manageability in line with national security requirements.