Leveson’s “statutory underpinning” is no way to protect press freedom, says Kirsty Hughes
Why journalism and politics should remain independent
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CATEGORY: News and features
Enemies of free speech
Kenan Malik argues that free expression is now seen as an enemy of liberty
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...
Communications Data Bill: Setback for UK government as “snooper’s charter” slammed
Home Secretary Theresa May’s plan to store information on every citizen’s use of email, the web, and phones have been dealt a severe blow by a parliamentary committee. Padraig Reidy reports
UK: Public Order Act may drop “insulting” as an offence
Section 5 of the 1986 Public Order Act could be adjusted to remove the word "insulting" from legislation, it was announced today (10 December). Director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer has said that past cases could be classified as "abusive",...
Russia: British artists investigated for extremism and blasphemy
An exhibition by British artists Jake and Dinos Chapman is being investigated by St Petersburg prosecutors after visitors complained that it was "blasphemous" and "extremist". The exhibition, at the world-famous Hermitage museum, features a...
Index discusses hate speech at Cambridge Union Society annual debate
Index's own Head of Advocacy Mike Harris discussed the issue of hate speech and free expression at Cambridge Union's annual Free Speech debate on 29 November. Also speaking were Cambridge Union President Austin Mahler and celebrated philosopy...
How the law caught up with the internet
As online freedom comes under attack from big business and governments alike, Jennifer Granick assesses the legal landscape
Beacons of freedom: The changing face of Anonymous
Online irreverent political protest is here to stay. But, asks Gabriella Coleman, what will be the legacy for digital freedom?
Internet revolution in crisis
WCIT 12: Milton Mueller asks if governments are turning their backs on the global internet? A push to change the business model that delivers online content could stifle innovation and make the net an instrument of sovereignty, stuck behind national walled gardens