CPJ backs Manila Principles to help protect Internet intermediaries

The Committee to Protect Journalists has signed on to the Manila Principles, a set of best practices launched at RightsCon 2015, a digital rights conference CPJ attended in the Philippines in March. With journalists facing increased risks, the principles offer a way to protect the platforms on which they rely.

The Manila Principles help clarify the rights and responsibilities of Internet intermediaries for content posted by their users. The recommendations are intended to help inform lawmakers around the world when developing or reforming Internet-related legislation.

The principles, which have been endorsed by nearly 300 leading press freedom and technology policy organizations and individuals, recommend shielding intermediaries from liability for third-party content, requiring a court order before information can be removed from a platform, ensuring more broadly that due process standards are met, and building processes that are transparent and fair.

A copy of the Manila Principles can be viewed here.