The proposal for a law by the president of the parliamentary committee on legal affairs, Fotini Tsiridou, attempts to put an end to online "bullying" and any serious form of harassment, blackmail and publication of personal information from anonymous accounts. The aim is to define a framework for protection against attacks on citizens by users of anonymous or fake social media accounts.
The proposed law amends the legislation on protection from harassment and stalking and provides for new criminal provisions to address serious forms of online harassment, including coordinated targeting campaigns through multiple or false accounts, as well as malicious disclosure of personal information.
The chairwoman of the Parliament's Legal Committee told Filenews that the current legislation already covers online harassment, but with this proposal they seek to deal specifically with coordinated attacks and the publication of information that can put a person or their family at serious risk. He noted that the text explicitly enshrines freedom of the press, speech, political criticism and satire.
He also pointed out that "the state must protect its citizens and children, taking into account new data, technology and new ways of communication and not running behind developments".
Criminalization of organized targeting
The most important change being promoted is the introduction of a special offense for "organized online targeting". In order for the offence to be established, it must be proven, inter alia, that there has been prior consultation or other form of coordinated action, knowledge of the organised nature of the behaviour and substantial contribution of the accused. The proposal clarifies that the simultaneous or successive expression of views by several persons is not sufficient in itself to be considered organised targeting. There should be a common purpose to harass or intimidate a specific natural person.
Offense for disclosure of address and location details
A separate offence is provided for the malicious disclosure of identifying or identifying information, in cases where personal information is disclosed without the right for the purpose of causing fear or harassment or exposing a person to real and serious danger. This information includes, but is not limited to, the home address, current or usual location, personal telephone numbers, details of the place of work and information on minor family members.
As clarified, this regulation does not replace the legislation on the protection of personal data, but aims to criminalize cases in which such information is used as a means of intimidation or harassment.
Heavier penalties for fake accounts and automated means
Furthermore, the proposal provides for graduated penalties, depending on the severity and consequences of the behaviour.
Aggravating circumstances may include the use of false or multiple accounts, the use of automated means for the mass dissemination of content, the continuation of the behaviour despite the existence of a court order or official warning, as well as the disclosure of details of the victim or members of his or her family.
At the same time, the powers of the courts are strengthened, which will be able to prohibit the continuation of illegal online behaviour and order a person to stop making accessible content that is under their control and is prima facie linked to the alleged harassment.
