Moldova media and electoral regulation reforms

Moldova is implementing new legislative frameworks to regulate digital campaigning and mass media.

Initially, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) proposed draft regulations to govern online electoral campaigning. These rules aim to increase transparency regarding digital activities, artificial intelligence, and financing. The proposal introduces concepts such as ‘electoral influencer’ and ‘coordinated inauthentic behavior’, while seeking to regulate third-party actors who influence voting without being official candidates. The CEC also planned to manage a new Register of Participants in Online Electoral Communication.

To address concerns raised by international observers, such as OSCE/ODIHR, regarding the use of AI-generated videos, troll farms, and automated bots, the CEC has proposed amendments to the Electoral Code. These amendments seek to classify influencers and content creators as ‘participants in online electoral communication,’ requiring them to register with the CEC and declare their collaborations and remuneration.

Parallel to electoral reforms, Moldova has introduced a new legal framework for mass media to replace the 1994 press law. Published in the Official Gazette, this legislation aims to harmonize national laws with the European Media Freedom Act. The law establishes protections for freedom of expression, media pluralism, and editorial independence, while including specific measures for journalist safety and institutional autonomy. To increase transparency, the Ministry of Culture will manage a voluntary Register of Ownership and Funding Transparency. The legislation also sets benchmarks for evaluating market concentrations to prevent impacts on pluralism, providing a six-month transition period for media institutions to adapt.