Armenia to restrict “foreign media meddling in domestic affairs”

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia will legally ban the dissemination of content from foreign television and radio programs that incite violence, promote cruelty, or aim to interfere in the country’s internal political affairs. The announcement was made by Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan.

He stated that the Ministry’s proposed amendments to the Law on Audiovisual Media were approved during the government session on December 25.

The draft law also clarifies the legal grounds, criteria, and mechanisms for suspending or revoking licenses of network operators. Revisions have been made to regulations governing the activities of audiovisual program distributors as well.

The section on fines has been expanded, particularly addressing cases where activities are carried out in violation of the law. Additionally, a new article has been added to regulate the procedures for suspending or terminating network operator licenses.

According to the minister, these changes will improve oversight and regulatory mechanisms in the audiovisual media sector, enhancing both the effectiveness and practical application of the law.

The initiative aims to eliminate ambiguous interpretations and establish a predictable legal framework for media organizations, creating equal competition conditions, preventing monopolistic practices, and reducing market inequality risks.

"At the same time, the amendments aim to limit the spread of content that negatively affects the public, helping to prevent disinformation, violence, hate speech, and other harmful material," the minister noted.

The draft introduces legal tools for information protection to curb external influence on Armenia’s media landscape, ensuring control mechanisms aligned with national security needs.