Macedonia: New Law on Electronic Communications Proposed

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Deutsch: [Mazedonien: Neues Gesetz für elektronische Kommunikation verabschiedet | http://www.unwatched.org/node/1936]

The amendments to the Law on electronic communications would allow the
Ministry of Interior to play the “Big Brother” role, concluded the
opposition parties during the debate on this bill that took place in the
Assembly on 11 May 2010.

According to the allegations of the opposition party SDSM, not only the
Ministry of Interior would eavesdrop on telephone conversations without any
obstruction, but it would also be authorized to monitor the computers of all
Macedonian citizens.

According to the opposition party New Democracy, these amendments are not
prepared in accordance with the European standards and they are jeopardizing
the privacy of all Macedonian citizens. This party argued that the current
government, aside from adopting a law which is not harmonized with the
European legislation is also strengthening the position of the Ministry of
Interior, thus creating a police state.

On the other hand, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Goran
Mihajlovski claims that the proposed amendments to the Law on electronic
communications have been prepared in accordance with the latest report of
the European Commission.

According to the Deputy Minister, the amendments clearly define the
authorizations and responsibilities of relevant institutions, therefore
enabling the further development of the competition, the liberalization of
the electronic communications, the entry of new operators and the
introduction of new services and affordable charges for the citizens.

“Brussels expects the government to submit the adopted Law on Electronic
Communications. The Commission has not been consulted about the adopted
amendments, and Brussels would comment once it receives the text of the bill” announced the Delegation of the European Commission in Skopje.

Assembly of Republic of Macedonia: Proposal for changing and amending
the Law on electronic communications (second reading) (only in Macedonian)
http://www.sobranie.mk/ext/materialdetails.aspx?Id=4055857c-81de-45b1-b3d6-838f5eaeaa8a

(contribution by EDRi-member Metamorphosis Foundation – Macedonia)