Social networks: the deletion of anonymous accounts is a « risky operation », according to Éric Duhaime

QUEBEC | Unlike François Legault, Éric Duhaime opposes the banning of anonymous accounts, despite the proliferation of threats and insults on social networks.

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« It is sure that the number of trolls that I have, it would be a good thing, it would clean my pages », joked the conservative leader, in response to the question of the Log.

“I am someone who has always defended freedom of expression, even on my Facebook page and my Twitter account, I do not delete abusive or defamatory comments. I believe in freedom of expression. I think that’s the price to pay when you’re a public figure, » he immediately corrected.

• Listen to the interview with Éric Duhaime on Benoit Dutrizac’s show broadcast live every day at 12:03 p.m. via QUB-radio:

Éric Duhaime considers that the project to delete anonymous accounts on the various social networks starts from a “good intention”, but that it could have perverse effects.

“Who is going to decide that it is censorship or that it is not? he wondered. What kind of control will they have [les géants du web], what kind of data are we going to provide them with? Will the Twitters and Facebooks of this world get involved in this, or will they tell themselves that their market is not just in Quebec?

The Conservative leader nevertheless defended himself from being against any form of limit in this area, stressing that there is already “a legislative framework and self-regulation of web companies”. He also invited people who feel threatened to denounce.

1^er last September, the Prime Minister for his part said he was open to the idea of ​​banning fake accounts on social networks, but acknowledged that this is not a simple thing.

« We can’t rule that out. This is a problem that is not unique to Quebec. You have to see… It’s not easy to regulate social media, among other things, because often it starts there, » he said.

For her part, the Liberal leader believes that all avenues must be studied in order to protect elected officials, including legislation.

“We have to look at all avenues to try to reduce intimidation and violence. It could pass by a law. All possible avenues to limit what we are currently experiencing,” said Dominique Anglade.

– With the collaboration of Marc-André Gagnon and Nicolas Lachance