Law on Creating the Center for Information Defense and Combating Propaganda Comes into Force in Moldova

The Promulgation Decision and the Law on the Center for Information Defense and Combating Propaganda, as well as on the amendment of some legislative acts were published today in the Official Gazette and came into force. The Center for Information Defense and Combating Propaganda will be tasked with strengthening cooperation between institutions in the struggle against disinformation, manipulation of information and foreign interference, which are dangerous or may damage national security and jeopardize national interests. The body will implement the necessary measures to ensure the information space’s security and increase the resilience of society in the face of threats. The measures taken by the Center in relation to other authorities and the private sector will be of recommendations. The Center will have the right to submit proposals to the public authorities on amendment of the regulatory framework, as well as to notify the law enforcement authorities in case of national legislation’s violations in this area. The Center for Information Defense and Combating Propaganda will be led by a director appointed by the Parliament on the proposal of the President of the Republic of Moldova for a period of five years. The candidacy of the director will be selected following a public contest organized by the president. The director will be assisted by a deputy, appointed by the President upon the proposal of the director of the Center. At the same time, the Council of 11 members, appointed by the public authorities and civil society, will be created within the Center, which will evaluate the activity of the body. The legislature, through specialized parliamentary commissions, will supervise the Center’s activities. This Law will enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Monitor of the Republic of Moldova. Until the legitimization process of the Center’s activity is completed, within 2 months from the date of entry into force of this Law, the President shall submit to the Parliament the candidacy of the Director of the Center to be appointed for a preliminary term of 12 months. The Director of the Center, within 2 months after his/her appointment, shall submit to the Parliament for approval the structure of the Center, the limited staff and the concept of strategic communication and counteraction to disinformation, manipulation of information and foreign interference. Within 2 months from the date of entry into force of this Law, public authorities and public institutions shall appoint the members of the Council in accordance with the Article 14 provisions.