First Reading of the Draft Resolution (409 OE) of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Implement Effective Measures to Protect Minors from Exposure to Pornography"
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.
Date: 2024-06-03 23:05
Total Speeches: 64
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 12m
AI Summaries: 64/64 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first reading of the Riigikogu decision, titled "Proposal to the Government of the Republic to implement effective measures to protect minors from exposure to pornography," was presented. The bill was submitted by the faction of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE), and Varro Vooglaid was present as its representative. The aim of the bill is to restrict pornographic material freely available to minors and to find national measures that would reduce minors' exposure to pornography and its harmful effects. Simultaneously, possible technical and legal solutions were discussed, and it was emphasized that the current legal framework prevails at the European Union level, but Estonia must act on the basis of its national responsibility until pan-European solutions come into force.
In the discussions related to safeguards and the legal framework, a compromise was reached that the bill should proceed to the plenary session for final discussion and a final vote. At the same time, various technical solutions and measures were highlighted that could improve the protection of minors, and work must continue to genuinely bring the situation into compliance with the law. Finally, three important collegial decisions were made, and the position was that the bill could not proceed to the final vote.
Decisions Made 2
Bill 409 was added to the plenary session agenda and a final vote is to be organized so that this matter can be definitively decided by the Riigikogu.
Heljo Pikhof (Chair of the Culture Committee) was appointed as the representative of the Steering Committee.
Most Active Speaker
The most active contribution was delivered by Varro Vooglaid (EKRE faction). His presentation and responses served to steer the main debate, and he emphasized the importance of state responsibility and the protection of minors. In doing so, he represented a right-wing political stance, as a member of the EKRE faction and a visible spokesperson during the initial stalling of the bill in the Riigikogu.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced that the proposal submitted by the EKRE faction—to implement effective measures to protect minors from exposure to pornography—would be taken up for debate. He called Varro Vooglaid to the floor for his presentation and requested silence from the chamber, but the noise in the hall continues.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid explained that the aim of the draft legislation is to protect minors from exposure to pornography and to implement preliminary national measures before EU-level solutions come into force. He recommended establishing a working group that would identify and implement the best measures and seek parliamentary approval, irrespective of political affiliation.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur and asked Rain Epler to pose a question.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In his presentation, Rain Epler raised the issue of promoting tire take-back and asked whether an investigation should be launched into whether the Ministry of Climate official lied when claiming that a website selling tires without an authorized representative in Estonia could be shut down, or whether the TTJA official lied by stating that this action can only be taken at a pan-European level.
Varro Vooglaid
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Vooglaid claims that if state mandates prohibit the protection of children, the state has lost its essence, and one must act in the name of national dignity, while adhering to European Union regulations and waiting for the Union to find a solution, and he emphasizes that if he were prime minister, he would not hesitate on this matter.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
According to the rapporteur, the motion of no confidence addressed the impact of interest group lobbying on politics, highlighting the role of global finances and the risk of corruption, and voicing concern that processes both at the European level and in Estonia might start stalling when the time comes to resolve this issue.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid emphasizes that while politicians should not be susceptible to bribery and large sums of money circulate within the sector, the pornography industry is closely tied to human trafficking, involves content featuring minors and violence, and has the potential to influence political decisions, and he hopes that this influence does not reach the Estonian parliament.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The talk is merely a request to invite Jaak Valge to speak.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge affirmed the necessity of the bill, noting that political logic can sometimes be strange. He inquired about technical solutions, referencing France, and advised that if anyone claims solutions do not exist, the response should be that they certainly do.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid emphasized that, to protect minors, the existing system must be enforced and various solutions utilized—ranging from age or identity verification to web blocks and the option of opening access for adults at the ISP level—so that young people cannot freely access pornography, while an additional layer can be implemented to ensure anonymity.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas invites Kalle Grünthal to the stage.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker highlights that Estonia is a massive IT powerhouse and data is widely accessible, but ID card-based identification is insecure and problematic due to the risk of theft, which is why they recommend biometric authentication for access.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid is of the opinion that a working group should be formed to map out various solutions, including their pros and cons. However, he stresses that the priority is the protection of children from pornography, emphasizing that pornography is not a human right and the state may prohibit it, as it is harmful to children and damages their moral and social development, as well as their future family life.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas invited Mario Kadastik to speak.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik emphasizes that the idea of implementing China-style internet control is not rational. The real problem lies in how global events are discussed with children, not the technology itself. Furthermore, if someone fails to communicate with children for 16 years, that is entirely a different matter.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid claims that an infringement on the inviolability of private life may be necessary in the name of the child protection principle, and that presenting an identity document for the purchase of alcohol is appropriate because the harm to the child is greater than the restriction of private life. He further emphasizes that this does not signify the Chinese totalitarian model and refers to the COVID dictatorship.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas says that there will be no back-and-forth during the answer and we will move on, and Rain Epler raises a procedural question, asking about the microphone or the rules of procedure.
Rain Epler
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Rain Epler pointed out that he had wanted a debate, but the format didn't allow for a discussion in the main hall. He then cited an assurance from a Ministry of Climate employee that a web store selling tires in Estonia without an authorized representative could simply be shut down, even though such a technical solution doesn't actually exist.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
He thanks them and promises to review the legislation right away, and also needs to make a quick call.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid calls for a break.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas said that according to the Rules of Procedure Act, there is no such possibility, and he called upon Siim Pohlak.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak criticizes the hate speech restriction bill supported by the Reform Party, noting that censorship is already a reality due to the practices of large platforms, and he questions the commission on whether the coalition still maintains firm support.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid stated that there was no one in the committee who opposed the measure, and everyone—the representatives of the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, and Eesti 200—was convinced that restricting access to pornography intended for minors is right and reasonable and must be brought into compliance with the law. He also called for a substantive discussion and the presentation of the best arguments, so that people would not vote against the measure simply due to a lack of justification.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asks to give the floor to Anti Poolamets.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets asks how the priorities of national development plans and documents relate to the issue of human trafficking, and how their implementers would act effectively, rather than just limiting themselves to mere rhetoric.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid stresses that while slogans abound, genuine action is scarce. He calls for these values to be implemented through tangible steps, such as protecting children from exposure to pornography and limiting the state’s extensive powers, rather than merely discussing trust.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Raimond Kaljulaid to come and speak.
Raimond Kaljulaid
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Raimond Kaljulaid stated that while the problem is valid and the draft legislation fails to address it—given that this is a major international technological challenge—the current proposal amounts to moving four tons of sand with a teaspoon, and it simply won't work. He questioned whether the true objective is actually to solve the problem or merely to discuss it. Simultaneously, he thanked the audience, on behalf of the government, for their trust that they are capable of solving this global issue.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid stated that while a definitive and comprehensive solution to the problem is impossible to find, the situation can be alleviated through measures such as blocking propaganda channels and restricting pornographic content. Furthermore, the discussion will continue once the fundamental decision has been made for the government to begin addressing the issue.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announces that a proposal regarding Bill 409 will be submitted to the Government of the Republic, and pursuant to the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, every member of the Riigikogu may ask each of the two presenters one oral question.
Anti Haugas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Haugas emphasizes that wasting money on technical measures might not yield significant benefits, and the best approach is awareness campaigns and cooperation between parents and teachers to discuss healthy relationships between men and women at home and what is realistic in videos.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid claims that the use of pornography causes great human misery, including human trafficking, child trafficking, and violence. He states that children must be warned about this, but he is skeptical about addressing the topic in schools. He emphasizes that young people’s exposure to such materials should be reduced, for example, by blocking portals and restricting access.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Kert Kingo to speak.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo criticized the fact that government representatives only offer excuses as to why nothing can be done. She called for finding concrete ideas and establishing cooperation on how to move forward and limit the issue, questioning whether anyone on the committees has actually given thought to or assisted in achieving progress.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid expressed an optimistic stance during the committee meeting, emphasizing the importance of welcoming critical questions and the need to identify and implement sensible measures to reach consensus and protect children from genuine threats.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Leo Kunnas to speak.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas asks Varro whether the same package of measures that has been implemented to curb Russian propaganda within Estonian territory should also be applied to this issue.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid called for Estonia to implement effective age verification and content restrictions, survey solutions already in place, and set an example within the European Union by standing up for the protection of children and national sovereignty, even in defiance of Brussels' directives, much like Hungary did during the migration crisis.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the presenter, stated that there were no questions, and invited Heljo Pikhof, the Chairman of the Cultural Committee, to take the floor.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Riigikogu Culture Committee discussed restrictions related to pornographic content intended for minors and age verification solutions, including the possibility of the EU Wallet, under the European Union Digital Services Regulation. The committee decided to place the draft bill on the plenary session agenda and hold the final vote on June 5th, appointing Heljo Pikhof as the lead rapporteur.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the presenter and called upon Jaak Valge to ask at least one question.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge announced that France had adopted the SREN law, aimed at securing and regulating the digital environment to protect minors online from pornographic content, and which applies to cross-border sites. He noted that the only objections raised during the debate were technical, and he asked the Commission if there truly were no other reasons. He added that if the bill is adopted regardless, it would constitute, in his view, political envy at the expense of children.
Heljo Pikhof
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Heljo Pikhof asserted that children must be protected from pornography because it is our duty, and this is stipulated in the Constitution and the Child Protection Act.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addresses Varro Vooglaid and asks him to speak.
Varro Vooglaid
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Vooglaid stressed that both Estonian and European Union laws prohibit children's access to pornographic materials and that enhanced measures should be implemented to bring the situation into compliance. He then asked the Commission whether his assertion—that no position was expressed during the session regarding the adoption of additional effective measures—was correct.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The discussion in the committee was substantive, and members stressed that children must be protected from pornography. While the bill stemming from the European Union directive, which is currently before the Riigikogu, will indeed enter into force, further work must be done to ensure that Estonian sites that do not operate across Europe are also protected, as this does not fall under European Union law.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech is a request directed to Henn Põlluaas.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas stated that although the problem is transnational and protecting children from pornography is important, he does not support a cross-border solution. He stressed that Estonia has its own Penal Code, and we should not wait for its annulment in the name of a common European solution.
Heljo Pikhof
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The EKRE faction supports the European Union and emphasizes that these restrictions should be pan-European; it would be even better if they were worldwide. While this is not possible globally, it is possible within the European Union.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
He expressed the wish that the draft bill be adopted uniformly across Europe and that European Union countries would follow Estonia's example, recalling at the same time that Estonia was recently one of the first pioneers to adopt the bill in the hope that other countries would follow suit.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks to give the floor to Kert Kingo.
Heljo Pikhof
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Heljo Pikhof stated that the European Commission has established a working group to find a unified e-identification measure that could be used across all EU member states, and she believes that this will certainly come to fruition and is excellent.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asked whether the commission was unanimous that efforts must be made to protect children, or if anyone held a contrary opinion, and requested the person present to clarify the commission's stance.
Heljo Pikhof
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The commission discussed various ways to protect children from pornography, and there was a consensus that children must be protected in this area; how and when this will be implemented in the European Union and our country remains to be seen.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She commends Helje for the objective overview and preemptively inquires whether the commission will guarantee future support for this issue, provided that the current support is already available and irrespective of its form.
Heljo Pikhof
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He thanks the committee and emphasizes that the opinions of its members are important to him, and that if the committee finds that a topic needs to be discussed, the committee has always done so and will continue to do so in the future.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a short request to Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
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Mart Helme asks whether any deputy opposed the draft bill during the committee discussion, and if a vote took place, who that deputy was.
Heljo Pikhof
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The Committee adopted two unanimous decisions: to place the draft bill on the plenary session's agenda and conduct the final vote, and to appoint Heljo Pikhof as the representative of the lead committee.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman announces that the floor will not be opened for debate and puts to a final vote the draft resolution submitted by the EKRE faction, which aims to implement effective measures to prevent minors' exposure to pornography.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted: 16 in favor, 34 against, with no abstentions; Bill 409 was rejected.