The chapter considers the global impacts of digital communication technolo- gies and how they can influence media pluralism and media freedom as well as the ways in which legal systems aim to support and protect them. Electronic communication and technical developments have in fact contributed to enor- mous changes in daily life. They have also promoted important economic, social and cultural transformations. The new digital environment has become an essential space used for various purposes not strictly informational. In addi- tion, digital communication technologies are regarded as necessary instru- ments for having full enjoyment of a series of rights, including the right to access knowledge and information, the right to communicate, the right to culture and the right to participate in society. This new situation also implies that all people should have access to these technological innovations at affordable conditions, and that any restrictions should be strictly limited and proportionate. As online networks are considered a particularly well-designed space for pluralism and cultural diversity, their freedom and openness should be pro- tected and enhanced. In particular, the principle of an open and unrestricted Internet – as it was originally conceived – should be considered an essential precondition for any regulatory measure taken with regard to it.
Digital Media Pluralism. The need for global strategies
Lucchi N
2016
Abstract
The chapter considers the global impacts of digital communication technolo- gies and how they can influence media pluralism and media freedom as well as the ways in which legal systems aim to support and protect them. Electronic communication and technical developments have in fact contributed to enor- mous changes in daily life. They have also promoted important economic, social and cultural transformations. The new digital environment has become an essential space used for various purposes not strictly informational. In addi- tion, digital communication technologies are regarded as necessary instru- ments for having full enjoyment of a series of rights, including the right to access knowledge and information, the right to communicate, the right to culture and the right to participate in society. This new situation also implies that all people should have access to these technological innovations at affordable conditions, and that any restrictions should be strictly limited and proportionate. As online networks are considered a particularly well-designed space for pluralism and cultural diversity, their freedom and openness should be pro- tected and enhanced. In particular, the principle of an open and unrestricted Internet – as it was originally conceived – should be considered an essential precondition for any regulatory measure taken with regard to it.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
