Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall has dismissed concerns that the government’s proposed social media regulations are intended to censor citizens, insisting that the initiative is focused solely on protecting children from harmful online content.
Speaking on his weekly programme Issues in the News on Tuesday evening, Nandlall described the proposed legislation as a noble initiative that carries no hidden agenda.
“It is devoid of any ulterior motive and there is no intention to censure or to interfere with anyone’s freedom of expression,” the Attorney General stated.
The proposed legislation forms part of a broader government effort to regulate children’s access to social media and online platforms, amid growing concerns about exposure to harmful and inappropriate content.
While acknowledging the educational and social benefits of digital platforms, Nandlall argued that the internet also presents significant risks for young users.
“The government recognises the great virtues of social media, the great advantages of social media platforms, the educational opportunities it presents, in particular for our children and our students,” he said. “But we must appreciate at the same time that there is a dark side of the web.”
He pointed to online pornography, violent content and other harmful material that children may encounter without adequate safeguards.
Government ministries have embarked on a series of consultations with stakeholders across society to gather input on the proposed framework before legislation is drafted.
One such consultation was held recently at Cara Lodge and brought together representatives from across the legal profession, including members of the judiciary, the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Chambers, the Constitutional Reform Commission, the University of Guyana’s Law Department, the Ombudsman’s Office, the Law Reform Commission, the Guyana Bar Association and both public and private sector attorneys.
“The whole spectrum of the legal profession attended, and not a single person was not in favour of regulation of social media and internet access in respect of our children,” he claimed.
Nandlall stressed that any future legislation would require the involvement of parents, teachers and guardians, noting that the state alone cannot effectively regulate children’s online activity.
“This is not the type of law where the state can come into your home,” he said. “Parents need to play a role in ensuring that the law is complied with.”
The Attorney General also criticised sections of the opposition and some media outlets for their attempts to misrepresent the government’s intentions by portraying the initiative as an attempt to suppress free speech.
“I see certain news casts trying to twist the consultation and to say that it’s government attempting to censor. We are dealing with our country’s most precious asset, our children,” he said.
Nandlall maintained that the consultation process is intended to ensure broad public participation and build consensus around measures designed to enhance child safety online.
The government has not yet released draft legislation, but consultations are expected to continue with various sectors before proposals are brought before Parliament.