The Spanish Prosecutor's Office proposes to prohibit freedom of expression on social networks
The Spanish Prosecutor's Office, under the alleged direction of the socialist party, has ignited a debate about the regulation of social networks in the country.
The Prosecutor of the Coordinating Chamber against Hate and Discrimination Crimes, Miguel Ángel Aguilar, has proposed a measure that could have a significant impact on digital freedom: Prohibit access to social networks for those convicted of hate crimes The idea, presented during an interview with a left-wing media outlet, is part of a broader effort by the Spanish authorities, who seek to control the proliferation of speeches that do not endorse the official discourse.
Context of the proposal
The initiative arises at a delicate moment, in which the Prosecutor's Office is investigating alleged hate messages circulating on social networks. The networks falsely point to migrants as responsible for the murder of an 11-year-old boy in Mocejón, Toledo.
These messages, which spread quickly, fueled a climate of xenophobia and misinformation, according to Aguilar. The prosecutor explained that, in the most serious cases, it would be "proportionate and necessary" to temporarily prohibit access to social networks for those convicted of hate crimes .
This measure would be based on legal precedents such as the Supreme Court ruling that prohibited an "influencer" from accessing the internet after being convicted of humiliating homeless people.
Justification and criticism of the measure
The prosecutor justifies his proposal by arguing that, just as the physical freedom of a person convicted of a crime can be restricted, it is reasonable to consider restricting their access to platforms where the crime was committed.
In addition, Aguilar advocates for mandatory identification of users on social networks to facilitate the work of judicial authorities in prosecuting these crimes. According to the prosecutor, this measure would be comparable to the identification required to drive a car or motorcycle.
However, the proposal has generated concern in several sectors who fear that these measures could restrict individual freedoms. They also believe that this measure would open the door to excessive control of freedom of expression on the internet.
The prosecutor has indicated that the implementation of these measures would require a reform of the Penal Code , a task that will not be easy given the complexity and implications of such a change. Aguilar also called on other entities, including the educational system, to get involved in the prevention of online hate, stressing that the law cannot be the only instrument to address this problem.
The prosecutor justifies his proposal by arguing that, just as the physical freedom of a person convicted of a crime can be restricted, it is reasonable to consider restricting their access to platforms where the crime was committed.
In addition, Aguilar advocates for mandatory identification of users on social networks to facilitate the work of judicial authorities in prosecuting these crimes. According to the prosecutor, this measure would be comparable to the identification required to drive a car or motorcycle.
However, the proposal has generated concern in several sectors who fear that these measures could restrict individual freedoms. They also believe that this measure would open the door to excessive control of freedom of expression on the internet.
The prosecutor has indicated that the implementation of these measures would require a reform of the Penal Code , a task that will not be easy given the complexity and implications of such a change. Aguilar also called on other entities, including the educational system, to get involved in the prevention of online hate, stressing that the law cannot be the only instrument to address this problem.
Source: La Derecha Diario
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