The Center for Civic Education (CGO) said that the media are legally responsible for user comments, and that they are obliged to remove comments that contain obviously illegal or content that violates legally protected rights, as well as content prohibited by the Media Act, within 60 minutes from finding out or applying.
"Comments full of insults, hate speech and inappropriate content that can be seen on numerous portals, especially in connection with the tragic event in Cetinje, are absolutely unacceptable and violate the law. We invite citizens to report comments that incite hatred and violence, cross the line of decency and the law, so that we all contribute to greater responsibility for the publicly spoken word," the CGO announced.
They welcomed the decision of certain media outlets to ban comments on articles on this topic or to increase moderation.
By the decision of the editorial board, Portal Vijesti banned the publication of comments on all news related to the tragic event in Cetinje.
The CGE called on the Ministry of Culture and Media to, in accordance with Article 71 of the Law on Media, conduct inspections and ensure compliance with the law by the founders of online publications.
"We remind you of the penal provisions: a legal entity - a media founder who does not remove obviously illegal comments can be fined from 1.000 to 8.000 euros, and responsible natural persons from 300 to 1.000 euros," CGO states.
Bonus video:
