Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has revealed that diplomats are exerting pressure on him to abandon the proposed Online Safety Bill, a legislative initiative that has stirred serious concerns within human rights circles. Minister Alles disclosed that he received a telephone call from a female diplomat, urging him to scrap the bill, adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing debate surrounding online safety regulations.
The Online Safety Bill, aimed at addressing issues related to online content and user safety, has drawn attention and criticism from various quarters, especially human rights advocates who express concerns about potential implications on freedom of expression and privacy.
Minister Alles shared his encounter with diplomatic pressure during a public statement, asserting that he remains steadfast in his commitment to the bill. Despite the external influence, he emphasized that he will not scrap the proposed legislation but is open to receiving observations and feedback from concerned parties.
The minister's willingness to consider observations and feedback reflects a diplomatic approach to address the diverse perspectives surrounding the bill. Minister Alles has set a deadline of January 8th for interested parties to submit their observations, signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue and take into account various viewpoints.