Bloggers in Italy are planning a protest in Rome agaisnt a new rule that makes them liable for fines of up to €12,000 (£10,000).
According to The Guardian, one opposition leader has called the new measure introduced by the government as a "fascist measure."
The new proposal was "slipped into a bill" to limit the right of the media in the country to publish wiretap transcripts gathered during criminal investigations, said the report.
Antonio Di Pietro, the leader of the anti-corruption Italy of Principles party and a blogger, called the proposal "an insult to freedom and democracy. It is a fascist measure."
Some critics believe that the bill was drafted by prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s government.
Earlier this month, a report by prosecutors investigating a businessman who allegedly supplied prostitutes for parties at Berlusconi’s homes received wide coverage by the media. The report included transcripts in which the prime minister discussed the quantity and qualities of the women, and boasted he had sex with eight in a single night, said The Guardian.
A clause in the new proposal treats blogs as news websites, making bloggers accountable for defamation or misrepresentation. According to the proposed law, a blogger has to respond within 48 hours to anyone who believes they have been defamed or face a fine.
The bill is expected to be brought for approval in the parliament next week.
Opposition party member Paolo Gentiloni said, "The sole outcome of such a juridical absurdity would be to put a de facto block on blogs, websites and social networks."
