Venezuela's Chavez: Internet should be regulated

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    Date: 
    16 March 2010

    CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez called for regulation of the Internet on Saturday while demanding authorities crack down on a critical news Web site that he accused of spreading false information.

    In a televised speech, Chavez said: "The Internet can't be something free where anything can be done and said. No, every country has to impose its rules and regulations," Chavez said.

    He singled out the Venezuelan news site Noticiero Digital, saying it had posted false information that some of his close allies had been killed.

    Chavez called for Venezuela's attorney general to take action immediately against the Web site. "This is a crime," he said of the site's reports.

    There was no immediate reaction from the Web site, which is a popular outlet for critical news and commentary in Venezuela.