Take 10 #8

Welcome to RPC's media and communications law update. This issue reports on key media developments and the latest cases.

News items

Bloomberg LP v ZXC - Permission to Appeal to the UK Supreme Court granted

The Supreme Court has granted Bloomberg LP permission to appeal the Court of Appeal's ruling that the publication of an article containing confidential information obtained from a UK law enforcement agency before the individual was charged was a misuse of private information. Read more

Sicri v Associated Newspapers Limited

Alaedeen Sicri has been awarded damages for misuse of private information in respect of an article published by MailOnline which identified him as having been arrested in connection with the Manchester Arena terror attack.  Read more 

Elphicke character references fair game

After former MP Charlie Elphicke was convicted of sexual assault several newspapers sought disclosure of 34 character references submitted by Elphicke's legal team in advance of the sentencing hearing. Read more

R (Free Speech Union and Toby Union) v Ofcom

This judicial review was triggered by Ofcom criticising ITV presenter Eamonn Holmes for lending credence to the 5G mast conspiracy theories. Read more

Government response to the Online harms White paper

The response to the Online Harms White Paper sets out plans for a new duty of care to hold companies accountable for the safety of their users. Read more

Chatter

Apple to allow users to see apps usage of personal data

Following pressure from regulators, Apple is due to roll out new personal data usage indicators to its App Store which will show users that personal data each app has access to. Read more

Proposal for new pro-competiton rules attempt to regulate tech giants

The CMA has made proposals to the Government to introduce a legally binging code of conduct for tech giants such as Google and Facebook to control their monopoly in the market. One of the proposals was for the Digital Markers Unit to be given the power to apply 'significant penalities' for code breaches. Read more

Breach of embargo

The Supreme Court will refer Tim Crosland, the director of environmental charity Plan B Earth to the attorney general and the Bar Standards Board for investigation following his breach of the embargo on the Supreme Court's ruling on Heathrow airport's third runway. Read more

Data sharing will not change post-brexit

British intelligence and defence chiefs have said that intelligence sharing will not change if there is a no-deal Brexit, even though an agreement still needs to be reached with the EU regarding data adequacy. Read more

YouTube users can opt out of gambling and alcohol ads

As a response to feedback from users, Google is set to roll out tools that will allow YouTube users to opt out of gambling and alcohol adverts. Read more

SLAPP lawsuit against Swedish magazine filed in London

Press freedom organisations have strongly condemned the defamation action that has been brought against Swedish business and finance publication, Realtid at the London High Court. Read more

Quote of the fortnight:

"Investigative journalism is essential to holding people in positions of power and responsibility to account. Journalists who do this work should not be subject to aggressive legal claims in plaintiff friendly jurisdictions designed to intimidate and oppress."– Padraig Hughes, Legal Director of Media Defence

From the Media Team at RPC, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!