WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Parliament has introduced formal rules governing reactions on its social media platforms following an incident last week in which denigrating comments were posted during a live broadcast of a parliamentary meeting.
Vice-chairman Ramon Yung confirmed that action was taken against the offensive reactions. According to Yung, the issue is not new. Similar comments containing insulting and coarse language have been removed in the past, but repeated incidents prompted the need for clearer guidelines.
The Parliament’s social media channels are intended to allow the public to respond to statements made by members of parliament and ministers during meetings. Citizens are also able to comment on posts and photos related to official working visits. However, ongoing problems with inappropriate behavior led the Parliament to formalize rules for online interaction.
Under the new policy, denigrating or offensive comments will be removed. Accounts that impersonate others or use fake profiles to attack members of parliament or other individuals may be blocked. Yung has authorized the publication of the new conditions to ensure transparency about how moderation will be handled.
The Curaçao Parliament states that it does not allow the use of vulgar, insulting or offensive language, nor personal attacks against members of parliament or other individuals. Comments that promote discrimination, hatred or threats are also prohibited, as are reactions that are unrelated to the subject of the post.
Reactions that violate these rules will be removed without prior notice. In cases of repeated or persistent inappropriate behavior, the Parliament may limit or block a user’s ability to interact on its social media platforms.
According to the Parliament, the measures are intended to safeguard respectful public debate while maintaining space for constructive dialogue between citizens and elected representatives.
