Leveson: The way ahead for a free press in the UK

A tough but voluntary regulator is the best way to ensure a free press and a fair society, Index says in a new policy note

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Nothing to celebrate on second anniversary of Belarus protests

On the second anniversary of the Minsk protests, Index calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus

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High threshold set for social media prosecutions

Guidelines issued today on when criminal charges should be brought against people posting offensive or abusive comments on social media sites could boost free speech

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Social media and free speech

The director of public prosecutions has issued interim guidelines on when criminal charges should be brought against people posting offensive or abusive comments on social media networks

Social Media Dpp

“Porn filters” fail parents and children

Index welcomes the government’s rejection of a proposal for mandatory blocking of “internet filth”

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Why journalism and politics should remain independent

Leveson’s “statutory underpinning” is no way to protect press freedom, says Kirsty Hughes

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Enemies of free speech

As four men go on trial in Denmark accused of planning an attack against newspaper Jyllands-Posten, Kenan Malik argues that since the Danish cartoon controversy free expression is now seen as an enemy of liberty

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UK “snooper’s charter” to be redrafted

The British government’s Communications Data Bill is to be redrafted after the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said he would block the current bill. The bill, which would give government agencies unprecedented access to email, web and phone traffic, has been described as a “snooper’s charter” by free speech and privacy groups. Earlier today, a joint committee of MPs and Lords published a damning report describing the draft bill as “too sweeping”, and criticising the vague definitions of the powers given to the Home Secretary by the proposed law. Writing for the Independent, MP Julian Huppert, a member of the Joint Committee on the Communications Data Bill, said: “After this report, there is absolutely no way that this Bill – with its incredibly wide powers and few safeguards – can possibly proceed.The Home Office has completely failed to show that it is needed, proportionate, possible or affordable. They must start from scratch.” Index on Censorship has been heavily critical of the Communications Data Bill. In evidence submitted to the committee in August of this year, Index described the powers granted to the Home Secretary by the bill as “unacceptable”, and warned, “The decisions the UK Parliament takes on this bill willimpact on human rights both in the UK and beyond, not least in authoritarian states.”