Is there a problem of Internet in Azerbaijan ?

7 June 2012
09:46
Turan Information Agency (Azerbaijan)

Baku/07.06.12/Turan: There are serious problems with freedom of media and information, and information security In Azerbaijan, said Osman Gunduz , the head of the Internet Forum of Azerbaijan at the hearing in Brussels on the topic “The position of media in Russia and the” Eastern Partnership countries”, organized by the European Parliament. The expert said the problem with information security by independent on-line-structures, which are often blocked and can not to act.

Gunduz welcomed the initiative of an international organization “Reporters without borders” to create a safe online environment for independent media.

Concerning the development “new media” in Azerbaijan, he said that despite the quantitative growth, there are issues of training, professionalism, etc.

The expert also drew attention to the creation of state-run news sources, and unequal conditions for independent media.

Regarding the expected amendments to the Law “On receiving information,” Gunduz said that in its present form the law is more democratic and meets the European standards.

However, under the pretext of protecting commercial confidentiality and privacy, the authorities want to restrict access to information. He urged European institutions to review the proposed improvements, and to express their attitude to them.