The Parliament of Georgia in the first reading approved amendments to the law "On Broadcasting", which introduce new restrictions and expand the area of operation.

84 deputies voted for the amendments, three against.

According to the initiative, the provisions of the law will apply not only to local media, but also to video platforms, as well as to media and video platforms with offices in Georgia and editorial decisions made in Georgia.

The new rules will also affect the media, most of whose employees work in Georgia, regardless of the location of the office, as well as those media that use Georgian satellite communications and use the functional resources of Georgian satellites.

If the amendments are adopted, the law "On Broadcasting" will also affect video platforms based in Georgia, but part of an international company.

The law will apply both to TV channels with a specific broadcast network and to platforms where the user can choose the desired program or video to watch.

Such platforms will have to be authorized by the National Communications Commission on an equal basis with other media, as well as be responsible for the compliance of content with the laws of Georgia.

According to the amendments, content on video platforms must not be harmful to minors.

Media and video platforms will prohibit the distribution of programs or advertisements that incite violence or hate speech against individuals or groups based on their ethnic or social origin, disability, gender, sex, nationality, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, color, genetic features, language, political or other views.

The amendments also prohibit the distribution of programs or advertisements containing incitement to terrorism.

In addition, it will be possible to demand from the media or the subject covered by the law to correct or refute the disclosed information, and in case of refusal, to contact the National Communications Commission to respond.

The amendments prohibit the broadcasting of programs or advertisements that may, through technical audio or visual editing in a short period of time or by conveying information in a different way or by influencing the subconscious of the listener or viewer, influence their thoughts in such a way that they are partially or completely unaware of this influence.

Also, according to the bill, broadcasters broadcasting the "main event" will have to provide access to other, small broadcasters by transmitting short videos of at least 90 seconds in length.

In addition, the bill prohibits the placement of sponsored stories in news, children's and religious programs and also imposes restrictions on advertising in children's programs. In particular, children's programs can be interrupted for advertising only after 30 minutes and there should not be a TV store in the advertisement.

As explained by the authors of the bill, representatives of the ruling party "Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia", the amendments are due to the need to comply with the directives of the European Union.