International
The MLRC’s European Conference: A Dramatic Return to Paris
George FreemanMLRC’s European Conference returned to Paris, highlighting both the growing community of European media lawyers and substantive transatlantic debates over libel, privacy, source protection, hate speech, and free expression.
SLAPPs as a Tool to Silence the Press: How Brazil Is Responding to a Growing Threat
Simone Lahorgue NunesRaising public awareness about SLAPPs – and about the threat they pose to democratic debate – is a crucial first step. Only by acknowledging the problem can Brazil move toward a more robust legal framework capable of safeguarding the right to inform, and to be informed, on matters of public interest.
Update on Australian Privacy Law – New Tort of Serious Invasion of Privacy
Patrick Considine and Peter BartlettWhile we await more extended and substantive judicial consideration of this novel cause of action, the initial two cases provide guidance as to how the tort may be interpreted in future, as well as key pressure points which are likely to influence litigation in this space.
Sweet Sixteen and Never Been Online: Australia’s Age-Gating of Digital Speech
Zoe TakalaThere’s a dark irony to Australia’s paternalism here. We’re a nation willing to jail ten-year-olds, yet hesitant to trust them with an Instagram account.
Will Carter be Rucked?
David HooperCarter-Ruck appears to be challenging the scope of the SRA’s investigatory powers – objecting to turning over their files to the SRA, where they contain legally privileged information. Given that these are uncertain times for the First Amendment, there may be lessons to be learnt in the USA as to whether there should be a…
MLRC in Belfast – Titanic Day of Discussion and Debate
Dave HellerIn June, MLRC held its European Media Lawyers Conference in the gritty and history-rich city of Belfast.
The Need for a Revised Anti-SLAPP Law in the UK
David HooperIn 2023 the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduced an anti-SLAPP law in the UK. It was something of an afterthought.
A View from the Northern Ireland Bench
Mr. Justice Adrian ColtonI am delighted to be able to provide a perspective from the Northern Ireland Bench on freedom of expression, the right to privacy and the protection of reputation.
A Cautionary Tale for Defamation Plaintiffs: Going Back to the Lion’s Den to Retrieve Your Hat
Marlia Saunders and Amelia CausleyToddThe outcome is hugely significant because it's the first time a court has made a finding about what happened at Parliament House on that night over 5 years ago – and provides long overdue vindication for Brittany Higgins.
Anti-SLAPP Developments in the UK and Europe and What It’s Like Being Slapped in Greece
David HooperThere are things to learn from the markers set out by the EU and Council of Europe as to the identifying features of SLAPPs and how to produce a draft law acceptable to a wide spectrum of differing approaches to anti-SLAPP law.