Internet gag law withdrawn

A CONTROVERSIAL  draft law  to regulate content on the internet and social networks has been withdrawn.

Panameñista Deputy  Deputy Melitón Arrocha announced  – through his Twitter account – that he would withdraw his draft law from the first debate scheduled for Wednesday July 27.

“Although the debate is an issue that deserves consideration, conditions today do not lend themselves to a calm discussion,” Arrocha said in another tweet.

The decision comes a day after the National Council for Journalism and the Forum of Journalists for Freedom of Expression and Information said in a statement that the draft law: “violates the precepts enshrined in the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression of the Organization of American States, as it implies censorship and interference or direct pressure on internet content.”

The draft bill proposed forcing internet portals to delete information about people if they requested it. It has been widely condemned.