Freedom of expression is one of the foundations of a democratic and pluralistic society. Its corollary is access for everyone to accurate, reliable and timely information, a key precondition for informed public participation. The role of the media and journalists in seeking out, verifying and distributing information is crucial.

States have the responsibility to provide adequate safeguards, both through law and practice, for the effective enjoyment and protection of freedom of expression, including by creating an enabling environment for free and responsible media to flourish and play their essential role in democracy.

The Council of Europe is well placed to help prevent and address the threats to the exercise of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, both offline and in the online environment.

read more... >>

latest news

Back 2015 Internet Governance Forum: Facing mass surveillance and other threats to privacy and freedom of expression

2015 Internet Governance Forum: Facing mass surveillance and other threats to privacy and freedom of expression

The world has been shaken by the revelations on electronic mass surveillance. The protection of personal data across virtual borders and the potential chilling effect of threats to privacy on freedom of expression are the subject of intense debate and controversy. What have governments, the private sector and civil society done concerning these problems so far? How should they address them in the future?

The Council of Europe aims to discuss these and other questions with representatives of governments, business and civil society at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) to be held in João Pessoa, Brazil, from 10 to 13 November – including with Maximillian Schrems, an activist who litigated against Facebook in a recent case concerning the Safe Harbour data transfer pact between the EU and the USA. At the IGF, which is organised every year by the United Nations to discuss public policies concerning the Internet, the Organisation will share with other stakeholders its most recent work to promote and protect human rights on the Internet.

In an open forum, the Council of Europe will present the work of its Parliamentary Assembly on mass surveillance, including a Resolution adopted in April which stated that the mass surveillance practices disclosed by US whistleblower Edward Snowden “endanger fundamental human rights”. The Assembly also called for the collection and analysis of personal data without consent only following a court order granted on the basis of reasonable suspicion, better judicial and parliamentary control of intelligence services, and an effective protection for whistle-blowers exposing unlawful surveillance.

Participants will discuss Council of Europe policy guidelines on Internet freedom currently being prepared and its Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists, which by 1 November had received 88 alerts of media freedom violations in Europe. Other topics on the agenda are the challenges to preserving the confidentiality of journalists’ sources, how to ensure a safe online environment for journalists, and the question of if there is a slide towards online censorship in which both governments and private actors play a role.

In another open forum co-organised by the Council of Europe and the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights of the United Nations, participants will analyse the current challenges to the right to privacy, and in particular, what governments, the private sector and civil society have done with regard to the revelations of mass surveillance. Joe Cannataci, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Privacy, will address the participants.

The Council of Europe events at the IGF

More information:

The Council of Europe participating at other IGF events

headline João Pessoa 4/11/2015
  • Diminuer la taille du texte
  • Augmenter la taille du texte
  • Imprimer la page

Media

Internet governance

Co-operation projects

Committees

In time of conflict



The right to freedom of expression and information constitutes one of the essential foundations of democratic society. In conflict situations and wars, the role of the media is critical in providing the public with accurate and timely information. Trustworthy news and images can contribute to the protection of civilians and conflict prevention, bring to the attention of the international community the horrors and reality of conflict and expose violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

 Visit the "Freedom of expression in times of conflict" webpage

Journalists Matter Campaign

Journalists Matter, the Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists is an initiative aiming to promote press freedom and protect journalists from violence, threats, and harassment while performing their duties. As part of this Campaign, the Council of Europe is inviting everyone to support their cause, take action for their enhanced protection, while raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding journalists and their right to report the news freely and without fear. 

 Visit the "Campaign for the Safety of Journalists" webpage

"Everyone has the right to freedom of expression"

Art. 10 European Convention on Human Rights

follow us