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It "could promote further censorship and seriously limit freedom of expression in Venezuela. (It's) a clear attempt by the Venezuelan government to further its clampdown on critics and independent media."
It does nothing of the kind. Most countries, including America, have laws and regulations setting acceptable media standards, especially for radio and television reaching large audiences, including children to prevent their exposure to offensive material.
Jurist Legal News & Research was more measured headlining, "Venezuela passes law banning certain Internet content," saying:
"The law expands 2004 restrictions on television, radio and print media to Internet and electronic subscription services content (by banning content) that promotes unrest among citizens or challenges legally established authorities."
Media violators face increased fines, repeat offenders possible revocation of the licenses. Critics argue it restricts free speech and constitutionally guaranteed rights. Honest observers disagree, saying it promotes responsible programming.
Venezuela's 2004 Law of Social Responsibility for Radio and Television (LSR)
It defined and "establish(ed) the social responsibility of radio and television service providers, related parties, national independent producers, and users in the process of broadcasting and reception of messages, promoting a democratic equilibrium between their duties, rights, and interests, with the goal of seeking social justice and contributing to citizenship formation, democracy, peace, human rights, education, culture, public health, and the social and economic development of the Nation, in conformity with constitutional norms and principles, legislation for the holistic protection of boys, girls, and adolescents, education, social security, free competition, and the Organic Telecommunications Law."
It affirms:
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