Media Freedom

The role of the media in any society is to investigate and share information and ideas, in particular on issues of public interest, so that the public is informed and able to play their part in political, economic and cultural life.    International law therefore requires States not only to refrain from controlling or restricting the media, but also to create an enabling legal and regulatory environment that allows the development of a free and diverse media landscape.

Media around the world has fundamentally changed in recent years. Although broadcast radio and television remain important sources of information and ideas, the Internet, and particularly social media platforms, have taken a position of ever growing importance as content distribution platforms, both for traditional media companies as well as emerging digital media companies.  These new actors have quickly risen to dominant positions.

Search engines and social media platforms now hold a decisive influence over the searchability, visibility or accessibility of media and other content.

The defence of media freedom requires us to protect against not only traditional forms of media restrictions, (such as the forced closure of newspapers, or the use of public advertising to control media content) but also against unprecedented new challenges, such as the control of information and ideas by private power-holders, or the difficulties of financing and promoting accurate and reliable information online.

Malaysia: Protect political speech and reverse decision against Telegram
11.09.2025 7 min read

Malaysia: Protect political speech and reverse decision against Telegram

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Guinea: Civic space shrinks ahead of September referendum
04.09.2025 6 min read

Guinea: Civic space shrinks ahead of September referendum

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Türkiye: Stop attacking media pluralism with broadcast bans
04.09.2025 3 min read

Türkiye: Stop attacking media pluralism with broadcast bans

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Webinar: Betraying the law – Why Hong Kong’s foreign judges should resign
28.08.2025 7 min read

Webinar: Betraying the law – Why Hong Kong’s foreign judges should resign

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Malaysia: Review the Communications and Multimedia Act now
19.08.2025 9 min read

Malaysia: Review the Communications and Multimedia Act now

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Kyrgyzstan: Mass Media Law must be improved to protect independent journalism
14.08.2025 8 min read

Kyrgyzstan: Mass Media Law must be improved to protect independent journalism

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UK: Investigate potential Chinese influence in Telegraph acquisition
13.08.2025 11 min read

UK: Investigate potential Chinese influence in Telegraph acquisition

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Albania: Lift blockade on Focus Media Group and protect journalists’ rights
12.08.2025 6 min read

Albania: Lift blockade on Focus Media Group and protect journalists’ rights

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Israel : Stop targeting journalists and protect vital reporting in Gaza
11.08.2025 3 min read

Israel : Stop targeting journalists and protect vital reporting in Gaza

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