News Media and “New Media” – New Zealand Law Commission Consultation on Regulation

28
02
2012

The Law Commission of New Zealand is undertaking a review of the current regulatory regime for news media with respect to its adequacy in catering for new and emerging forms of news media – sometimes referred to as the “new media”.  It published a comprehensive “Issues Paper” [Word] for consultation on 12 December 2011.  Responses are required by 12 March 2012 and can be made online.

The Privacy Paradox

Privacy and Its Conflicting Values

February 2, 2012

 
Stan. L. Rev. Online

 
Symposium Issue

How should the legal system adjust to our evolving and oftentimes conflicting expectations of privacy? Experts weigh in on this important question in areas ranging from political data to government searches in this 2012 Symposium Issue.

2012 Symposium

First Amendment Challenges in the Digital Age

Audio recordings of the panels are now available at the above link

Twitter Libel Actions in Three Jurisdictions – Courtney Love, Chris Cairns, Joseph Meggitt

19
02
2012

Three libel actions involving Twitter have been in the news around the world this week.  The first is in the USA and involves Courtney Love (again).  The second is due to be the first twitter libel trial – in England in two weeks’ time.  Finally, in Australia there is news of a claim against Twitter Inc itself as the publisher of a defamatory tweet. 

Times contempt challenge thrown out in Strasbourg – Adam Wagner

14
02
2012

In the case of Michael Seckerson v United Kingdom (App Nos. 32844/10 and 33510/10) the European Court of Human Rights rejected as “inadmissible” Times Newspapers’ challenge to its 2009 conviction for contempt of court.  The decision, which was made by seven judges, is a good example of an early stage “strike-out” by the Court which is nonetheless a substantial, reasoned decision

This case demonstrates that prosecution for contempt for breach of the secrecy of the jury room is not incompatible with Article 10.

Data Protection for the 21st Century: The EU Reform Proposals

February 22nd, 2012

Timothy Pitt-Payne QC and Robin Hopkins spoke at the 11KBW Information law seminar; Data Protection for the 21st Century: The EU Reform Proposals on 21st February 2012. The papers from this seminar are now available to download – click here