Olmert's Government Silence Bloggers

Blogmaster's Rant: As the owner of a Jewish Blog whose primary focus is Israel's leadership, politics, and current events, I am concerned about the proposed draconian anti-blogging measures in this respect: Someone previously commented that if we are blogging from servers located outside of Israel and indeed we live outside of Israel than we have little to be concerned about. This may be true if we Never Plan To Visit or Return to Israel. If this measure passes, it is entirely probable that those of us who are critical of the Government and tend to hold accountable the Officials in that Government, will be placed at the very least on a “personae non grate” list and will be denied entry to Israel. Or worse, the next time we disembark from El Al at Ben Gurion, we will be arrested by the "thought police" for insulting some inept public servant by telling the truth about his lack of talent, etc. I believe that there is real concern in some governmental circles about the thus far “untouchable” off-shore bloggers who have become a great deal more than just an irritant or a thorn in the touches. Food for thought…

New bill seeks to make web sites legally responsible

for talkback content

Sheera Claire Frenkel , THE JERUSALEM POST
Jan. 13, 2008

Web site owners or editors will be legally responsible for any content on their site, including comments made in talkbacks and message boards, a bill passed on Sunday by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation states.

According to the bill, which was drafted by MK Israel Hasson (Israel Beiteinu) web sites could be absolved of liability if they agree to reveal the details of posters.

While the bill still needs to be approved in three readings in the Knesset plenum, receiving the support of the Ministerial Committee on Legislation gives it a much higher chance of passing into law.