Gaspar: New Methodology in Pipeline to Monitor Media and Social Media Risks

Bratislava, 22 October (TASR) – The National Security Analytical Centre is preparing methodology for monitoring security risks in outputs on social media and in the media, said director of the Slovak Information Service (SIS) Pavol Gaspar following Wednesday's session of the House committee for supervising SIS activities. "It's about monitoring security risks in outputs on social media or in the media environment," replied Gaspar to a journalist's question. Once the methodology is complete, it will be presented to the public and the media, he added. MP and committee member Richard Gluck (Smer-SD) emphasised the importance of addressing security threats in the media environment. "I agree that it is necessary to deal with media outlets that incite society from morning till night to the point at which people start attacking each other, as is happening for example in the United States and other countries where internal security is truly under threat," he stated. Opposition MP and committee member Zuzana Stevulova (Progressive Slovakia) said that the SIS director hasn't yet provided information about the announced methodology. According to her, the issue hasn't been discussed by the committee yet, either. MP and committee member Maria Kolikova (Freedom and Solidarity) pointed to differing perceptions of what constitutes a 'threat'. "Some may view it as freedom of the press, while others may see it as radicalisation," she said. Committee vice-chair Peter Suca (Smer-SD) also reported that the only agenda item discussed was the SIS position on reports that the pro-Russian 'Brother for Brother' organisation is allegedly speaking about plans to establish a parallel intelligence service. According to him, the key information was conveyed. "The director of the service asked us to classify the information received from the intelligence service regarding the 'Brother for Brother' motorcycle association as confidential. That means I cannot disclose any details of what we learned," explained Suca. The inclusion of this item in the meeting was requested by opposition MP and committee member Jaroslav Spisiak (Progressive Slovakia), who confirmed that he received the requested information from the SIS head. "I know what I'll do with the information as an MP within my capacities and responsibilities. It means that I'll probably convene the defence and security committee and ask the interior minister for answers, as he is the next one who should provide information to the public," added Spisiak. mf/df