AG’s Ministry Awaits Chamber Feedback on Cyber Bullying Legislation

Michael Peyrefitte

The recent online attack aimed at Plus TV’s news director Shasta Wade has once again brought into focus a need for regulations to govern the social media space.  Enacting legislation has been a slow process and, according to Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte, his ministry is awaiting a response from the business community regarding a draft of the legislation.

Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General

“I have given the legislation to every sector in the society, including the opposition and some senators.  Senator Lizarraga wanted it, he wanted to look at it and he wanted to distribute it within the business community for any feedback.  We are waiting for that feedback.  We always get accused of passing laws and not checking with them.  Well, we have checked with them and they’re taking longer than government bureaucracy to get back to us.  So we have to wait until they give us their input before we decide on a final draft.  I would like to see, and when it comes back then we will have our own input.  One of my pet desires is to see that, make it an offense punishable by ten years in prison to create a fake profile.  …how can I hold you responsible or sue you or punish you if I don’t know who is the person writing what they’re writing online.  So in my belief, you should be penalized for creating a profile and or using a fake profile and any computer or machine that you use to facilitate use of that fake profile should be confiscated by the government.  So, in other words then, have you speak and let everybody know you’re the one talking.”