Syria opens nationwide consultations on new media law
Draft legislation seeks to regulate journalism, digital media and press freedoms as authorities consult media professionals across the country
DAMASCUS, Syria (MNTV) — Syria has launched preliminary nationwide consultations on a new media law aimed at regulating journalism, digital platforms and online content creation, with media organizations describing the initiative as an important step toward reforming the country’s media sector.
The Ministry of Information held consultation sessions in Damascus, Aleppo, Hama and Raqqa, bringing together journalists and media professionals to discuss the proposed legislation, which remains under development.
The draft law focuses on regulating television channels, news agencies and digital media platforms while defining the rights and responsibilities of journalists and online content creators.
It also seeks to establish legal boundaries for freedom of expression, cybercrime and social media activity.
According to Syrian media outlet Enab Baladi, ministry documents presented during the consultations outline goals that include promoting professional journalism, combating misinformation, hate speech and false reporting, preventing political exploitation of media organizations, and protecting freedom of opinion while improving public access to information.
The Syrian Journalists Association welcomed the consultations, describing them as a positive legislative opportunity to modernize the country’s media environment while safeguarding press freedom and the rights of media workers.
The association urged authorities to broaden participation in drafting the law by involving independent journalists, private media organizations, legal experts, academics and professional unions.
It also called for the publication of the draft legislation for public review before its final approval and said it was prepared to contribute to the legislative process.
Discussions during the consultation sessions also addressed legal protections for journalists, access to official information, regulation of media work, accountability for journalists linked to the former government, trade union activities and measures to combat hate speech and defamation.
Officials in Aleppo said the draft legislation would undergo additional revisions and consultation workshops before being submitted to parliament.
Syria’s media landscape has changed significantly since the fall of the Assad government in December 2024, allowing several previously exiled media organizations to resume operations inside the country. However, concerns over press freedom remain following recent detentions of journalists and content creators under existing legislation.
The Committee to Protect Journalists called on Syrian authorities to adopt legal safeguards guaranteeing press freedom, establish an independent media regulatory body and implement a transparent accreditation system for both domestic and foreign journalists.
The organization also urged stronger legal protections for confidential sources and an end to intimidation of journalists.
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