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Bill to Remove Online Incitement Is Undemocratic, Israel's Government Watchdogs Warn

The legislation, known as the “Facebook bill,” is expected to come up for a vote before Israel’s parliament next week

Omer Kabir 16:0113.07.18

Government watchdogs in Israel are warning about the negative consequences for free speech should the parliament pass legislation known as the “Facebook bill,” which is expected to come up for a vote next week.

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First proposed in 2016 and soon endorsed by government ministers, the law would allow a court to order social media networks to remove content deemed to be inciting terrorism without the current due process requirements.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: APצילום: אלכס קולומויסקי

“The law will be used to censor political express, public protests and criticism of the government,” watchdog groups wrote in a letter to a joint parliamentary committee tasked with reviewing the bill before it is presented to the full body of lawmakers. The letter was drafted by Israel Democracy Institute, a nonprofit focused on civil liberties and governance issues.

“The bill reflects a need to deal with harmful content published on social media but it does so in too broad with potential to cause more harm,” the letter says. “The bill allows for a level in invasiveness that does not exist in any other democratic country.”

The bill would allow prosecutors and government attorneys to fast-track a court petition and have content removed if it threatens to endanger public safety, national security, the life of an individual, or the country’s economy and infrastructure.