Armenia

OHCHR Committee on the Rights of the Child review: Experts of the Committee on the Rights of the Child commended Armenia on digital literacy education and raised questions on child protection, noting Armenia's ratification of the CoE Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.

Draft law 'On Cyber Security' presented for public discussion: The Ministry of High-Tech Industry presented a draft law 'On Cyber Security' for public discussion, aiming to protect digital infrastructures and address increasing cybercrimes.

Government implements anti-disinformation plan: The government implemented the 'Concept and Action Plan of the Struggle against Disinformation 2024-2026' to bolster capacity and promote media literacy.

Draft legislation proposed for internet restrictions during martial law: The Ministry of Justice proposed draft legislation that would allow state authorities to restrict internet access and block social media platforms when martial law is in effect.

Prosecutor-General calls for internet content regulation: Armenia’s Prosecutor-General called on the government to consider regulating online content due to the spread of hate speech, drug trade, and other illegal purposes, noting a lack of specific legislation.

Law on Protection of Personal Data came into effect: The Law on Protection of Personal Data came into effect, establishing the Personal Data Protection Agency.

Government resolution supports net neutrality: A government resolution was issued supporting the principle of net neutrality.

Police blocked Armgirls.am: Police blocked the website Armgirls.am for disseminating pornographic content and hosting bulletins of women in the sex industry.

Law on the Protection of Children from Harmful Information became effective: The Law on the Protection of Children from Harmful Information became effective.

Law on the Protection of Children from Harmful Information adopted: The Law on the Protection of Children from Harmful Information was adopted, requiring measures to prevent children's access to harmful content.

Legal review clarifies 'illegal pornography' under Article 263: A review of the RA Law on Broadcasting noted that Article 263 of the Criminal Code criminalizes 'illegal manufacture, sale, and dissemination' of pornographic materials, implying a distinction between 'legal' and 'illegal' pornography.

Law on Electronic Communications adopted: The Law on Electronic Communications was adopted, though later noted as outdated for contemporary internet technologies.

First prosecution for illegal pornography dissemination: The first prosecution case for the dissemination of illegal pornography via the internet was recorded.

Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia adopted: The Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia was adopted, defining cybercrime and including provisions relevant to pornography and child protection (Article 263).

Armenia ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child: Armenia ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, demonstrating an early commitment to child protection.