NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad says we are all victims of online bullying and there are emotional distresses caused by a lot of this communication.
While speaking after the tabling of the Online Safety Bill, Prasad says that this bill should not be rushed as it will need a lot of discussion on the pros and cons of the bill.
Prasad says that there are issues of concern that everyone has about online communication and a law that is going to have far reaching implications on everyone must be given a reasonable amount of time, so that when the law does come into force there has been enough consultation and public awareness and people understand it better.
He says having the bill go through the Standing Committee of Justice, Law and Human Rights for 2 months is unreasonable and suggested that 6 months be given for the bill to be discussed.
Assistant Minister for Women, Veena Bhatnagar says the Online Safety Bill is very crucial as there are some young people who have considered suicide because of cyber bullying.
Opposition MP, Mosese Bulitavu has also suggested more time for consultation and the Standing Committee to look into the bill as this is one that will affect everyone who uses social media.
Chair of the Standing Committee for Justice, Law and Human Rights, Ashneel Sudhakar says the committee as part of their deliberations will advertise for submissions, call for public input, and return the report with amendments within 2 months.
SODELPA MP, Viliame Gavoka had highlighted in parliament to be very cautious on how to place restrictions on social media and has also suggested to have 6 months of discussions on the bill adding that it will be removing something that is there as the only hope for people to express themselves freely.
The Acting Prime Minister then stressed that he talked about online safety and not a person’s political posting and curtailing freedom.
The motion to have the Online Safety Bill 2018 be considered by parliament without delay, that the bill must be immediately referred to the Standing Committee of Justice, law and Human Rights, the Standing Committee must report on the bill to parliament in the May sitting of parliament and upon presentation the bill must be debated and voted was passed last night.
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