Last Change:
08/26/2026
Organic Law of Communication
Original names of the law: Ley Orgánica de Comunicación
Year: 2019
Type: Domestic law
Rights Category: Liberty & security of person, Nationality, Integration & Public Affairs
Description
Establishes the legal framework for communication, media regulation, and the exercise of freedom of expression in Ecuador, including principles of pluralism, access to information, prevention of monopolies, and protection against hate speech.
Selected provisions
Right to Freedom of Thought and Expression.- For the development and application of this Law, every person has the right to freedom of thought and expression. This right includes the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information, whether orally, in writing, in print or artistic form, or through any other means of their choice, and includes the right not to be disturbed because of their opinions. The right of expression may not be restricted by indirect means, such as the abuse of official or private controls over paper, newspapers, radio frequencies, or equipment used for the dissemination of information, or by any other means aimed at impeding communication and the circulation of ideas and opinions. Public performances may be subject by law to prior censorship solely for the purpose of regulating access to them for the protection of children and adolescents, without prejudice to the provisions of the second paragraph. All propaganda in favor of war and any advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to violence or any other similar unlawful action against any person or group of persons shall be prohibited. "El Estado fomentará la pluralidad y la diversidad en la comunicación, y al efecto: 1. Garantizará la asignación, a través de métodos transparentes y en igualdad de condiciones, de las frecuencias del espectro radioeléctrico, para la gestión de estaciones de radio y televisión públicas, privadas y comunitarias, así como el acceso a bandas libres para la explotación de redes inalámbricas, y precautelará que en su utilización prevalezca el interés colectivo. 2. Facilitará la creación y el fortalecimiento de medios de comunicación públicos, privados y comunitarios, así como el acceso universal a las tecnologías de información y comunicación en especial para las personas y colectividades que carezcan de dicho acceso o lo tengan de forma limitada. 3. No permitirá el oligopolio o monopolio, directo ni indirecto, de la propiedad de los medios de comunicación y del uso de las frecuencias.
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