Write House News: Twitter, Facebook and Blog Content Could Be Subjected to Journalism Laws

It has emerged that posts on Facebook, Twitter and Blogs could be subjected to Journalism laws regarding content posted on the social networking platforms.
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The Press Regulations Authority (PRA) claims that any posting made on the web by individuals, via social media, must be viewed as publishing their content to the masses, in much the same way as online news publications. Online newspapers are regulated in terms of what can be published and now the Press Regulations Authority plans to apply journalistic laws across social media.
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Social media has been perceived by some to be a loophole in terms of regulating content. After all, social media platforms allow for free speech and remain a largely lawless and unregulated environment.
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However, following the UK riots, authorities appeared to adopt a different stance on what could and could not be posted on social media platforms. Social media made headline news during the riots as individuals were arrested and charged for comments deemed to have been inciting further violence.

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A number of people were also arrested and punished severely merely for implying that they make take part in the riots, without any intention of doing so.
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The plan to impose journalistic law will no doubt enrage ‘free speech’ supporters. However, the Press Regulations Authority does plan to publish clear guidelines highlighting the distinction between credible posts and those that are inappropriate.
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In support of the PRA’s proposal is the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP has launched guidelines in a bid to achieve an equal balance between adhering to criminal law and protecting freedom of speech.

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In particular, the DPP made reference to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which ‘guarantees the right to freedom of expression - albeit within certain boundaries.’
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It would now appear that such legislation has already been enforced. In a recent High Court case, a judge ruled that well-renowned search engine provider, Google, had to reveal the true identity of an anonymous blogger, following a case involving a north London Rabbi. The aforementioned case involved a Google-hosted blog which contained details of alleged sexual misconduct.
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It is believed that the above case has set down a marker for what can be expected in the future with Twitter & Facebook users, and bloggers, likely to find themselves in the judicial firing line if posted content is found to be defamatory, deemed as harassment, inciting violence or prejudice in any form.
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In a statement from the judge presiding over the Google related case, he said: “The idea that anyone making, what appear to be, defamatory comments should not be protected by the cloak of anonymity.”
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Changes to the law are to be presented before Parliament later this month (March 2013) and if passed will no doubt re-shape the practices, ethics and culture of the current, and next generation of social media users.