Webinar: (Mis)use of Data Protection Laws to Suppress Public-Interest Journalism
On 30 June 2025, Media Defence and the International Press Institute (IPI) co-hosted a webinar exploring the growing misuse of data protection laws to silence critical journalism. The event brought together legal experts and investigative journalists to examine how privacy legislation – originally designed to safeguard individual rights – is increasingly being deployed in bad […]
Press Freedom Is at Risk — Help Us Defend Journalists
When journalism is silenced, power goes unchecked — and people suffer, especially those already marginalised. That’s why Media Defence exists: to protect journalists facing legal threats, so they can keep reporting the truth without fear of retaliation. Since 2008, we’ve supported over 2,000 journalists and independent outlets around the world. But the legal landscape has […]
The Legal Minefield of Investigating Tech: Insights from Our CEO
At the 2025 International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Media Defence CEO Carlos Gaio joined a panel discussion titled “When Removing Bylines Isn’t Enough: How Can Journalists Safely Investigate Tech in 2025?” (Watch in full below). The conversation explored the growing threats facing those who report on powerful technology companies — and the tools they can […]
Filing Amicus Curiae and other submissions at Domestic Courts: Strengthening Freedom of Expression at the National Level
In 2024, Media Defence filed written submissions in a number of cases before domestic courts across four regions. The role of Media Defence took different forms, including that of third-party intervener, amicus curiae, and expert providing an opinion in international law. The purpose of the submissions is to assist each court in its determination of […]
Legal Threats Against Lawyers Protecting Journalists: Preliminary Findings
As ‘lawfare’ against journalists escalates in intensity and complexity, lawyers play a critical role in safeguarding free and independent media.
[NOW CLOSED] Call for Applications: Freedom of Expression Litigation Surgery for Women Lawyers from South and Southeast Asia
3-5 September 2024, Kathmandu, Nepal Deadline for applications: 8 July 2024 Media Defence is calling for applications from lawyers based in Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam to participate in a forthcoming litigation surgery on the right to freedom of […]
15 Years of Impact: Violence against Journalists
This year marks Media Defence’s 15th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, we are looking at the ways in which freedom of expression has been threatened around the world, and how we have sought to protect it. Every year, journalists are subjected to violence for carrying out their essential work. Journalism stands as a cornerstone for the […]
15 Years of Impact: Internet Shutdowns
This year marks Media Defence’s 15th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, we will be taking a look at the ways in which freedom of expression has been threatened around the world, and how we have sought to protect it. The internet has become an essential part of modern life. It has transformed the way we […]
¿Son las leyes sobre noticias falsas la mejor manera de enfrentar la desinformación?
A finales de 2021, Grecia se unió a la creciente lista de países que legislan contra las noticias falsas. Una enmienda aprobada al Código Penal se introdujo para procesar a los ciudadanos griegos que difundan información falsa durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Cualquier ciudadano que difunda información falsa sobre salud pública podría enfrentarse a penas […]
Les lois sur les “fake news” sont-elles le meilleur moyen de lutter contre la désinformation?
En décembre 2021, la Grèce a rejoint la liste croissante des pays qui légifèrent contre les “fausses nouvelles” (ou « fake news » en anglais). La modification du code pénal vise à poursuivre les citoyens grecs qui diffusent de fausses informations pendant la pandémie de COVID-19. Tout citoyen diffusant de fausses informations sur la santé publique risque […]
Russian disinformation: a weapon in its war on Ukraine
Lawmakers, academics and citizens are becoming increasingly aware of the threat posed by disinformation and malinformation. ‘Disinformation’ refers to falsehoods spread deliberately to stoke distrust or promote an agenda. It is a widespread issue, overshadowing elections everywhere from Brazil to the USA, fuelling hate speech, such as in India, and impacting stock prices around the […]
Spying in the digital age: The use of spyware against journalists
Spyware and freedom of expression Encryption is a valuable tool for freedom of expression online. It allows journalists, lawyers, human rights activists, and citizens to communicate securely. In recent years however, journalists around the world have experienced increasing digital surveillance, despite encryption becoming more accessible. In particular, investigative journalists uncovering corruption, abuse of power, and […]