Wikileaks and Iceland MPs Propose Journalism Haven

geegel sends word that Iceland could become a journalism haven if a proposal put forward by some Icelandic MPs, aided by Wikileaks, succeeds. Julian Assange, editor of Wikileaks, said that the idea is to "try and reform Iceland's media law to be a very attractive jurisdiction for investigative journalists." The article notes one area in which supporters of the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative need to tread carefully: "...the troubles of the financial sector may lead some Icelanders to be sceptical of efforts to transform their country and [one supporter] is aware of the need not to make exaggerated claims." A British opponent of the idea (and supporter of the UK's draconian libel laws) is quoted: "The provisions allowing defendants to counter-sue 'libel tourists' in their home courts could transform the humble Icelander into a legal superman, virtually untouchable abroad for comment written — and uploaded — at home."

Comments

Re:Sovereignty needs to be paramount, first

[lkcl]

no, dummy, it's not flamebait. _think_ for a second before pressing that -1 moderation. without sovereignty, countries such as the U.S. will think it's ok to walk into Iceland to extradite people, just because someone in the U.S. wants to sue someone based in Iceland.

Sovereignty is IMPORTANT.

Re:virtually untouchable?

[commodore64_love]

>>>So large companies can station people with bullhorns outside our restaurant to tell people the food inside is poisonous in order to drive you out of business?
>>>

No but they can do it with pamphlets, and there's not a darn thing you can do about it. Worse - City governments can pass laws that force your restaurant to spend $100,000 complying with onerous regulations (don't let smoke escape from the chimneys, or soundproof the walls, or whatever), and thereby drive you out of business.

The latter happens far more often than the former.