Qatar govt backs tighter online media codes

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 12 years ago

DOHA: Qatar's government has backed new Internet codes that widen controls over news websites and online commentary after similar clampdowns by other Gulf Arab states.

Western-backed Gulf nations have sharply increased arrests over social media posts on charges that include insulting rulers. Stronger media laws also have been placed in many Gulf countries as officials worry about growing opposition linked to the Arab Spring.

Qatar's measures would give wide leeway to punish websites or social media users for items considered a threat to "state security" or the "general order." It outlaws any news, video or other posts that violate the "sanctity" of a person's private life, even if the report is true.

The official Qatar News Agency said Thursday the draft law now goes to an advisory council for final approval. - AP

Explore Further

White House page on media bias raises press freedom concerns

December 02, 2025: A new White House page on media bias has raised concerns from the Committee to Protect Journalists, which says the site undermines independent reporting and press freedom.

Algerian journalist arrested amid rising press freedom concerns

December 01, 2025: Algerian journalist Saad Bouakba was arrested in a crackdown on independent media, highlighting growing legal pressure on opinion writers and raising press freedom concerns.

White House launches media-offender tracker for press

November 30, 2025: The White House launches a 'media offenders' tracker, naming US news outlets and reporters, raising concerns over press freedom, credibility, and government influence on journalism.

EU states move to boost independent journalism visibility

November 28, 2025: EU states back stronger rules to increase online visibility for independent journalism, aiming to protect media pluralism and safeguard access to reliable information across digital platforms.

Australian teens seek High Court block on under-16 social media ban

November 26, 2025: Two Australian 15-year-olds have filed a High Court challenge to block the upcoming under-16 social media ban, arguing it violates constitutional protections for political communication and digital participation.

Digital rights report exposes rising AI‑abuse in Southeast Europe

November 25, 2025: A new BIRN report finds 1,440 digital‑rights violations across Southeast Europe, highlighting growing AI‑driven abuse, surveillance, and threats to press freedom.

White House access dispute sends AP back to court

November 24, 2025: The Associated Press returns to court challenging White House limits on press access, raising national questions about First Amendment protections and how governments regulate journalists' entry.

RFE/RL to close Hungary operations amid funding cuts

November 22, 2025: U.S.-funded broadcaster RFE/RL is ending operations in Hungary after funding cuts, raising concerns over press freedom and independent media in the country.

Newsroom

India scraps mandatory Sanchar Saathi app pre-install after backlash

December 04, 2025 India has withdrawn its directive requiring all smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app after widespread criticism over privacy, surveillance, and press freedom concerns.

Rainforest grant offers support for global environmental reporting

December 03, 2025 The Rainforest Reporting Grant offers rolling, project-based funding for journalists covering tropical forests, biodiversity, Indigenous rights, and environmental issues across three global regions.

AI-generated video falsely links Imran Khan sister to war comments

December 03, 2025 Prominent journalist issues warning over a fabricated deepfake video falsely claiming her Sky News interview featured a 2025 Pakistan-India war discussion, part of rising digital misinformation campaigns.

Fund for Investigative Journalism opens 2026 grant cycle

December 03, 2025 The Fund for Investigative Journalism has opened its 2026 grant cycle, offering support for investigative reporters through regular, seed, follow-up, and diversity-focused grant programs.

Kazakhstan urged to drop charges against Orda editor

December 03, 2025 CPJ urges Kazakhstan to drop false information charges against Orda editor Gulnara Bazhkenova after police raids in Astana and Almaty and escalating pressure on independent media.