Addressing the media in Castille this evening, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced that he has instructed lawmakers to prepare draft legislation aimed at "strengthening the fundamental principles of people's right to information and expression through information technology."

Gonzi, who recognised the ongoing debate on ACTA, said that while recognising the need to protect author's rights and intellectual property, "my government is not in favour of any measures that could potentially suffocate citizen's rights to acquire, share or communicate information."

Mentioning Facebook and Twitter as modern-day social media phenomena, the Prime Minister said that his government is committed in its belief towards four fundamental principles which are entrenched within the modern age of communication.

Describing them as "fundamental rights" Gonzi said that government believes in the citizen's right to communicate via the internet, his right to information, to express an opinion, and choice of social media."

He stressed that government was committed to be among the first nations to legislate in favour of protecting these fundamental civil rights while also being committed to safeguarding intellectual property.