Issue
Freedom of Expression and the Media
Election Parts
Criteria
- Claims of defamation were not used to suppress freedom of expression or to stifle the media or public debate and were not used to silence criticism of the government or its institutions
- Free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues took place between citizens, candidates, and elected representatives
- Freedom of opinion and expression by the media was respected throughout the electoral process. In addition, the media respected the freedom of opinion and expression of others
- Paid content in media and other information sources, including online, was clearly marked and distinguishable from editorial and user-generated content
Summaries
- Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, whether through public speeches or other means.
- The right to freedom of expression applies to all forms of media, including the internet.
- Free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues between citizens, candidates, and elected representatives is necessary.
- Freedom of expression includes unhindered communication with international bodies on matters of human rights.
- Freedom of expression may only be restricted under certain circumstances as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society.
- Freedom of expression may only be restricted in limited cases, including in the interest of national security.
- Freedom of expression may only be restricted in limited cases, including in the interest of territorial integrity.
- Freedom of expression may only be restricted in limited cases, including in the interest of public safety.
- Freedom of expression may only be restricted in limited cases, including in the interest of maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.
- Freedom of expression may only be restricted in limited cases, including in the interest of preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence.
- Freedom of expression may only be restricted in limited cases, including when an expression seeks to destroy other established rights.
- Freedom of expression may only be restricted in limited cases, including in the interest of protecting the reputation and rights of others.
- The communication and circulation of ideas may not be restricted by any indirect means, such as abuse of government or private control over the media.
- Freedom of expression should not be limited by the imposition of prior censorship.
- Media and other information sources, including online, should enable the audience to clearly distinguish between paid and editorial or user-generated content.
- Safety and ability of journalists and other media actors to work in full freedom should be protected, with any harassment and violence, offline and online, promptly investigated and liability imposed.
- To address disinformation online, self-regulation by internet intermediaries and positive measures, including independent fact-checking, public education, and media literacy campaigns, could be prioritized over criminalisation.