The proposed powers of a new regulator seem unworkable, says Padraig Reidy
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Responding to the party leaders’ comments in parliament today, Index on Censorship CEO Kirsty Hughes said:
“In spite of David Cameron’s claims, there can be no doubt that what has been established is statutory underpinning of the press regulator. This introduces a layer of political control that is extremely undesirable. On this sad day, Britain has abandoned a democratic principle.
“But beyond that, the Royal Charter’s loose definition of a ‘relevant publisher’ as a ‘website containing news-related material’ means blogs could be regulated under this new law as well. This will undoubtedly have a chilling effect on everyday people’s web use.
“Bloggers could find themselves subject to exemplary damages in court, due to the fact that they were not part of a regulator that was not intended for them in the first place. This mess of legislation has been thrown together with alarming haste: there’s little doubt we’ll repent for a while to come.”
Also read: Statement from Index Chair Jonathan Dimbleby on behalf of Index’s board of trustees
Index on Censorship Chair Jonathan Dimbleby has issued the following statement on behalf of Index’s trustees:
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