Protect freedom of expression and a free and diverse Press

Freedom of expression, through a free and diverse Press and publishing industries, is an essential part of a democratic society. While the principle is enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, which is incorporated into UK law, governments face endless enticements to nibble at this freedom so fundamental to a democratic society. Regulation of Internet content should follow the "print model" of voluntary self-regulation, already being operated successfully through the Advertising Standards Authority and the Press Complaints Commission.

The Government should:

	Reaffirm its commitment to freedom of expression, introduce freedom of expression audits of all new legislative proposals, reform defamation law and the Official Secrets Acts 1911-1989, and oppose 'regulatory creep' threatening to constrain internet publishing
	Reaffirm its commitment to a self-regulatory system for the Press
	Consult publishers fully on the future framework of media ownership regulation

The Government should not:

	Introduce new controls over Internet and other media publication, by statute, co-regulation or other compulsory systems, including rating or filtering, in addition to the multiplicity of existing civil and criminal laws that already restrain publication
	Introduce or foster privacy law in any form damaging to freedom of expression