Lebanese Ministry of Information
Information Minister, Attorney Dr. Paul Morcos, stressed the importance of balancing freedom of expression with social responsibility, and cautioned that freedom loses its true meaning when used to harm society or offend others.
Speaking after meeting with Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, following Sunday Mass in Bkirki this morning, marking the 60th World Communications Day, Morcos said freedom of opinion must not come at the expense of human dignity, national values, or religious and public figures.
“Media professionals are united around this sound view and are working to convey it to others and to everyone expressing their opinions on social media, so that expression remains responsible and appropriate,” he said.
Referring to recent social media campaigns involving insults and defamation, Morcos said the Information Ministry has intensified awareness and guidance efforts in cooperation with organizations, including UNESCO, the United Nations Development Programme, production companies, and the Ministry of Education.
“We held a ministerial meeting to work on launching awareness campaigns in schools and universities, to consolidate the educational, cultural and social structure, because addressing these phenomena begins with filling the gap in education and civic culture in this area,” Morcos went on, stressing that “much of what goes beyond freedom of opinion on social media, such as insults, defamation and hate speech, falls under the jurisdiction of the judiciary.”
Morcos added that social media should serve constructive social and cultural interaction rather than abuse, slander, or attacks on personal dignity. “Spreading a culture of respect and responsible communication remains the best way to build a more conscious and cohesive society, and awareness campaigns will enhance this,” he noted, adding that “Lebanon TV is making a special effort in this regard, along with visual, audio and written media, and we will continue to do so.”
Referring to the proposed new media law, Morcos said the draft includes provisions to combat hate speech and regulate online platforms. He noted that the bill has already been reviewed and approved by all relevant parliamentary committees in cooperation with UNESCO, experts, and local organizations, and is now awaiting final approval in Parliament.
“I hope it will not be subject to any non-legislative considerations or calculations,” Morcos maintained, affirming his respect for “the legislative will and the principle of separation of powers,” and emphasizing “the continuation of underway efforts to have a modern, up-to-date, and exemplary media law that protects freedoms and regulates modern means of communication.”
