Article 25 of the 2013 Constitution clearly stipulates: "Citizens have the right to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, access to information...". At the same time, it affirms: "The exercise of these rights is prescribed by law". This is an important constitutional basis, both ensuring freedom of speech and placing that right within the framework of law.
Freedom of speech is one of the basic rights of citizens, recognized by the Constitution and protected by law. However, in the context of strong social network development, the boundary between freedom of speech and the act of abusing this right to distort, slander, manipulate public opinion or insult others is becoming an issue that needs to be viewed fully and tỉnh táo.
Lao Dong reporter had an exchange with National Assembly Deputy Pham Van Hoa - Member of the National Assembly's Law and Justice Committee - on this content.
Sir, recently, there have been many cases of taking advantage of the name of fighting for justice and social criticism to lead public opinion in a deliberate way, even slander and insult others. Some opinions say that freedom of speech cannot be an excuse to manipulate public opinion, nor can it replace the conclusions of functional agencies. How do you see this issue?
- First of all, I believe that it is necessary to protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of the people, and at the same time create conditions for people to exercise their right to freedom of speech. This is a constitutional right, and at the same time is the foundation for promoting democracy, encouraging social criticism and strengthening people's supervision. However, the exercise of freedom of speech must comply with the provisions of law.
Freedom of speech is to speak accurately, speak correctly, not to criticize, not to criticize, not to ridicule, not to speak falsely. To speak the truth, that is to promote freedom of speech.
I do not agree with taking advantage of freedom of speech to lure, incite, and make unfounded arguments to refute and attack others. Freedom of speech is not a "passport" to legitimize acts of slander, fabrication or incitement to public opinion.
Conversely, if people discover problems and reflect truthfully, without fabricating, without adding or subtracting, saying the true nature of the matter, it is necessary to create conditions for them to express their opinions. Agencies also need to listen to and receive the legitimate opinions of the people.
The law has also clearly stipulated that the prohibition is to speak falsely, distort, slander, and insult the honor and dignity of others. These acts must be handled according to the provisions of law.
Thus, according to you, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between the right to freedom of speech and the act of abusing this right to incite or slander, fabricate?
- That's right.
Cases of abusing freedom of speech to distort, slander, distort truth, and manipulate public opinion must be detected and handled thoroughly, even if the subject is abroad and has sufficient grounds and conditions for handling according to regulations.
Currently, social networks have a very wide connection and spread. It must be admitted that there are content on social networks that is true, but there are also quite a few contents that only aim to "like" and "view", serving personal interests.
Therefore, readers, viewers, and listeners must also know how to analyze what information is correct and what information is wrong. If it is wrong, it must be refuted and resolutely refused; and if it is correct, it also needs to be recorded.
According to you, in addition to strictly handling acts of taking advantage of social networks to spread false information, what solutions are needed to limit fake news and rumors in cyberspace?
- In my opinion, state management agencies and functional agencies must proactively provide complete and timely information.
For information that is true and has a positive impact on society, it is necessary to encourage and create conditions for it to spread. Conversely, if the information is false, it must be strongly refuted with evidence and in accordance with the law.
Along with that, functional agencies need to strengthen the detection and strict handling of subjects taking advantage of social networks to post false information, slander, and fabricate. Currently, regulations on sanctioning administrative violations in the field of network security and network information security are quite complete. Strict implementation will contribute to preventing and preventing violations.
The important thing is to clearly distinguish between reflecting the truth and distorting and fabricating acts.
I believe that social networks are an important information channel in modern society. Therefore, state management agencies, businesses and organizations need to do their work better, better serve the needs of the people; and proactively provide accurate and timely information to limit misinformation and rumors in cyberspace.
Thank you, National Assembly Deputy Pham Van Hoa!
