Category «South-Eastern Europe»

Restrictive measures against online resources and broadcasters in Moldova: comprehensive information and fair balance needed

At the end of October 2023, the Moldovan Commission for Emergency Situations decided to suspend the licenses of six broadcasters on the grounds that they “pose a threat to information security”. At the same time, more than 50 news and information sites were also blocked. The decision was taken at the request of the Security …

What does the Republic of Moldova need to promote the Artificial Intelligence Agenda?

The advancement of artificial intelligence holds potential for significant breakthroughs and innovations, yet comes with new challenges and risks. The rapid progress in machine learning, deep learning, and other technologies opens new horizons for AI application in fields such as medicine, industry, transportation, education, and more. However, along with these opportunities come ethical concerns, data …

FREEDOM OF (ONLINE) ASSEMBLIES IN SERBIA

For the past few years, there has been a noticeable impetus to include the reference to online assemblies in international standards. While the notion may initially sound futuristic, its issues are quite contemporary. Adoption of the General comment no. 37 on article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 2020, which …

Debates in Chisinau: New challenges to Internet freedom in the context of current security risks

New challenges to Internet freedom in Moldova in the context of current security risks were discussed at the round table held on July 19 in Chisinau, the capital of the Republic of Moldova. One of the topics that generated the most lively discussions was the recent legislative initiatives to regulate the information space, including the …

The draft law on ensuring security of information space: risks of tacit presumption of guilt for the virtual environment in Moldova

The legislative initiative to amend certain regulations aimed at ensuring the security of information space (draft to the Parliament of Republic of Moldova 123/2022) raises numerous questions in terms of maintaining a balance between freedom and security issues, as well as the use of formulations that can be interpreted ambiguously, which carries the risk of …

The use of some electronic services in North Macedonia has increased, but it is far from the desired level

apple apple devices blur cellphone

The use of certain electronic services during 2021, compared to the period 2019/20 has slightly increased. This is shown by the data provided by ICEDA in cooperation with Portalb.mk, comparing them with the data from the preliminary research, when the same electronic services were used less. However, the increase is still far from the level …

Internet regulation in Moldova and the importance of creating a favourable legal environment for the online space

In Moldova, as in many other countries, the search for a balanced form of online regulation continues. Currently, there are a number of conflicting trends in the regulation of the country’s online environment and the absence of a unified state policy in this area. Driven by fear of security risks, Moldovan authorities are increasingly attempting …

Analysis of e-services in municipalities of the Republic of North Macedonia

young lady typing on keyboard of laptop in living room

Almost all strategies for the development of an information society and digital technologies relating to public administration reform plan activities for the state to create an enabling environment for innovation and to ensure delivery of personalized, easily available services for all users, thereby enhancing the transparency and accountability of state institutions. In the case of …

Cumulative report on Digital Agenda advancement in Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia

Digitalization in all spheres and for all social groups (without exception) is an effective mechanism for improving the well-being of citizens. This means improving the digital work and greater efficiency of institutions, organizations and other social entities. The Digital Agenda (DA) covers the development of the information society in the broadest sense. The aim of …

Moldova hosted the second Internet Governance Forum

Last month, Moldova hosted the second Internet Governance Forum (MIGF 2021), which took place in a hybrid format on October 19-20. The Forum, organized by the Association «Comunitatea Internet», became an international platform for an open dialogue between different stakeholder groups: civil society, technical and scientific community, private sector, government and public sector.