A rallying cry from Lebanese Bloggers everywhere to Lebanese everywhere. Get in touch with you MP ASAP!
Here are the details from Darine:
Tomorrow, Parliament is scheduled to vote on a new E-Transactions law that could have terrible implications for the Lebanese economy and for professional and personal privacy. To date, private sector and civil society have not been allowed to comment on the the law.
Among the articles of concern are:
- Article 92, saying anyone providing online services must apply for a license. Result: More paperwork, more bureaucracy, more delays, less revenue.
- Article 82, allowing for the warrantless search and seizure of financial, managerial, and electronic files, including hard drives, computers, etc. Result: The government has pre-approval to seize your company and personal assets and information, without cause.
- Article 70, establishing the Electronic Signature & Services Authority, a new regulatory and licensing body with practically unchecked powers. Result: Another agency, who can make or break your organization at their whim.
This is a complete farce and shows incredible short-sightedness in our un-progressive parliament. Don’t know how to get in touch with your MP? Check the official parliament website for details.
Word circulating on Twitter seems to suggest that the campaign has worked and parliament’s session tomorrow has been postponed. In any case, you still need to get in touch with your MP and ensure that this law remains locked up in some drawer and not in our law books.