TROS does not have to censor forum

The public broadcaster TROS does not have to check whether messages from users on the Radar forum contain ‘defamatory’ messages about Pretium Telecom. That would take a disproportionate amount of time and restrict freedom of expression.

Pretium Telecom wanted TROS Radar to stop making ‘defamatory’ statements and, among other things, wanted TROS to actively censor the Radar forum. A theme about Pretium should be closed, the company said, and all posts posted should be checked for “defamatory” content. Such messages should be deleted within 48 hours.

The judge disagrees; checking all messages would be a disproportionate measure that is extremely time consuming. Freedom of expression would also be restricted, while there is no legal basis for this. The relevant topics may remain, judged the court. However, the TROS must hand in images that were made with a secret camera in Pretium offices.

The TROS program Radar brought to light commercial practices of the Pretium Telecom company in a few broadcasts, which allegedly misled vulnerable people such as the elderly when selling subscriptions. The company has been fined more than once in the past for continuing to break the rules. The Consumer Authority warned consumers about Pretium’s dubious sales methods.