Protecting freedom of expression and information

Free, independent and diverse media are essential for democracy. Blogs, social networks, content aggregators and search engines enable individuals to access information and communicate with thousands of people in completely new ways. Together with traditional media, these new media actors are today essential sources of information.

Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression and to access to information. This right applies equally offline and online, and should be balanced with other legitimate rights and interests. Existing standards developed for traditional media may well apply to new media, which means they may be entitled to rights, but also subject to responsibilities.

For individuals to fully enjoy freedom of expression and information online, the Internet needs to be stable and open. Technical failures and intentional disruptions can impact access to information regardless of frontiers. The Council of Europe has developed a framework of international cooperation to prevent and respond to eventual disruptions of the Internet.

Internet platform to protect journalism and promote safety of journalists
In April 2015 the Council of Europe has launched an Internet platform aimed at protecting journalism and promoting the safety of journalists in co-operation with Article 19, the Association of European Journalists, the European Federation of Journalists, the International Federation of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders.

These five partners issue alerts concerning media freedom threats in Europe - both online and offline - and bring them to the attention of the Council of Europe bodies so these can follow up on them and request information to the states concerned.

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