A group of MPs is seeking tougher legislations to combat offensive, unethical and immoral content on social media.
The 20 legislators have warned against the misuse of freedom of opinion and expression, stressing the importance of protecting public morals while respecting constitutional rights.
Balanced legal and social safeguards should be in place to counter content that undermines the ethical and cultural foundation of Bahraini society, they said.
Mr Qarata
“Freedom of opinion and expression is a sacred constitutional right and a cornerstone for building a democratic society where everyone participates responsibly and respectfully,” said Abdulwahid Qarata.
“However, this right does not justify the spread of content that threatens moral values, distorts individual dignity or promotes destructive behaviours that contradict our cultural identity and societal values.”
The MPs’ stand comes amidst rising concerns over the impact of social media content on societal norms, and calls to reject violence, extremism and incitement in the name of religion.
The group is currently working legislative proposals to counter questionable content on social media accounts that have ‘crossed ethical red lines’.
“Some of the content under the guise of freedom of expression is merely a shallow exploitation of this noble principle. Freedom of expression is not chaos, it does not grant a licence to insult others or breach moral codes,” said Mr Qarata.
He strongly criticised certain social media accounts for promoting behaviours that, he argued, contradict Islamic principles and the traditions of Bahraini society.
“Controlling unethical content is not restricting freedom of expression; it is a defence of the rights of the silent majority which refuses to see social media platforms turn into arenas of vulgarity.
“We stand for freedom of opinion that enriches dialogue, upholds values and is built on mutual respect; not one that is abused to destroy the moral foundations of our society.”
Mr Qarata also called for the activation of balanced legislative and regulatory mechanisms, developed in co-operation with civil society organisations and legal experts, to address this growing phenomenon.
“Freedom comes with responsibility, and responsibility is the guarantee for the sustainability of freedom,” he said.
Meanwhile, Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen said Bahrain is a beacon of peaceful coexistence and tolerance.
Dr Al Dhaen
“This has been made possible by the kingdom’s commitment to pluralism and cultural diversity under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad,” she added.
“We live in a society that embraces churches, temples and mosques side by side. These shared spaces reflect the noble values at the heart of religion and humanity.”
Her comments came as Bahrain yesterday marked the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
“We strongly call for the rejection of violence, extremism, and incitement in the name of religion,” said Dr Al Dhaen, highlighting the importance of leveraging cultural diversity as a tool for development and a catalyst for civilisational dialogue.
“Bahrain offers a welcoming environment that embraces diversity while upholding rights and freedoms – fostering mutual understanding, supporting sustainable development and promoting the values that strengthen social cohesion and stability.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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