Chișinău government to block sites for cybercrime, experts warn of abuse
The Moldovan government is preparing a regulation to enable authorities to block access to websites on the grounds that they contain information linked to criminal activity.
Authorities argue that the measure is necessary to strengthen cybersecurity and combat cybercrime. However, some IT experts warn that it could lead to abuses, potentially infringing on freedom of expression, media activities, and even the operation of online businesses.
The regulation stipulates that the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Intelligence and Security Service will have the authority to issue orders to remove illegal content or block access to targeted websites within 24 hours. Internet service providers will be required to block access, and users attempting to visit the site will be redirected to a government page with explanations and options for contesting the decision.
Some experts warn of potential abuses. IT entrepreneur and developer Vitalie Eșanu believes that the mechanism could severely impact the operations of certain platforms, particularly news websites or popular services. “If you run a large-scale business, meaning many people visit it, this procedure could essentially destroy your business. Even if the site can be accessed through a VPN, the economic impact is enormous. The danger is that if they abuse these laws, they could start blocking more popular websites, such as YouTube, like the Russians did. People will begin using VPNs extensively. And when the majority starts using VPNs, no blocking mechanism will be effective anymore,” warns Eșanu.
He argues that while the mechanism may initially work, the risk of abuse could result in losing control. "It's essentially a double-edged sword. If the system works at first, but abuse begins, nothing will work anymore, and old websites that were once inaccessible will resurface, with people learning how to access them."
The regulation is currently open for public consultation and is expected to be approved by the government.
Last week, a group of lawmakers submitted an amendment to the Contravention Code, making online disinformation a civil offense. The initiative has been criticized by media experts.
It should be noted that during the state of emergency in 2023, the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) requested the blocking of over 76 websites, citing the threat they posed to national security. Among the reasons cited were the dissemination of false information, hostile propaganda, and the distortion of the information space in the Republic of Moldova. Subsequently, in a response to Teleradio-Moldova, SIS announced that with the lifting of the state of emergency, the decisions made by the Commission for Exceptional Situations of the Republic of Moldova were automatically annulled.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
