Bolivia weighs regulating social media
In Bolivia, officials are sending out a “stern” warning for
people who criticize President Evo Morales on social networks. Officials are
searching social networks such as Facebook and Twitter for anyone who insults
the President and taking names. The Vice President said that he frequently goes
online and writes down first and last names of people who insult the President.
The Vice President’s comments have sparked criticism from free speech
advocates. Lawmakers from Morales’ Movement for Socialism party say they hope
to push a proposed law regulation social media though Bolivia’s congress.
Franklin Garvizu, congressman from the president’s party claimed constructive
criticism is fine but all they have seen is nothing but ridicule. "We are
very worried because this is a case of systematically using communications
mechanisms to plant hatred against the government, to harm the image of our
president," Garvizu said. The article expresses the views of the opposite
side of this argument. "Obviously on social networks one cannot expect
everyone to be praised. The opposition also receives insults from public
officials, criticisms with no meaning, attacks, and it would never occur to us
to block social networks," said Samuel Doria Medina, who heads the
opposition National Unity party. "That's why we've recommended to the vice
president that he gets an account, which he interacts (with people). He will
learn a lot more about young people, and surely not everyone will applaud him,
but some will agree with him." The government wants to monitor digital
news websites and social networks. Another statement from the opposing side: "It
goes against all the rights, human rights, above all," said Maica Guzman.
"Where is freedom of expression?" The opposing side feels that their president
should use social media as an opportunity to interact with the youth and learn
about their concerns.
Opinion:
This article was published at the perfect timing because of
the election we just had. This entire week has consisted of people posting and
tweeting their opinions and statements about Mitt Romney and President Obama.
When I signed on the Facebook this week my entire news feed was about the presidential
election. It was ridiculous. I guarantee that everyone who posted criticizing statements
about the President on a social network did not think twice about there being
consequences from government officials. Americans are very fortunate to not
only have the right to freedom of speech but fortunate that this human right is
highly valued and exercised. Therefore, I agree with the opposing side of this
argument because Bolivian people deserve the human right to freedom of speech
in any form, media, literature, etc. President Evo Morales and Vice President
Franklin Garvizu should use these criticisms to learn about the concerns of their
people specifically the youth. All government officials should expect harsh
criticism because it is impossible to please everyone. One of the most important
human rights is freedom of speech because speech is what changes the world.
Every person should be able to share their ideas, opinions, and criticism without
government officials threatening to inflict consequences. Social networks are
so prevalent and millions and millions of people have social network accounts
such as Facebook. How would Bolivian officials even go about fining the
thousands of people in Bolivia with Facebook and Twitter accounts? These
officials should spend more time and energy focusing on real social issues that
are effecting their country not scanning the internet for hours searching for criticism.
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