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News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir says that United States’ decision on net neutrality threatens online media freedom and pluralism
Publishing date: 15 December 2017
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
VIENNA, 15 December 2017 – The United States’ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision of 14 December 2017 to repeal existing provisions ensuring “net neutrality” – the principle that Internet providers must treat all online traffic equally and without undue interference – threatens online media freedom according to a statement made by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today. The FCC’s commissioners voted by three to two to dismantle existing rules which protect the “Open Internet” and prohibit blocking, throttling or paid prioritization of Internet content.
Net neutrality in the United States must be safeguarded to ensure free flow of information, says OSCE media freedom representative
Publishing date: 5 December 2017
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
VIENNA, 5 December 2017- The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today expressed concern about the proposal by the United States’ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to repeal existing provisions ensuring net neutrality, the principle that Internet providers must treat all online traffic equally and without undue interference. As a result of the plan, announced by FCC chairperson Ajit Pai on 21 November, internet service providers would be able to charge more for certain content and restrict access to some sites...
OSCE Representative Désir, in Moscow, calls on Russian Federation to urgently step up efforts to ensure safety of journalists and media freedom
Publishing date: 23 November 2017
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
MOSCOW, 23 November 2017 – During his visit to Moscow, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir expressed deep concern about the media freedom situation in the Russian Federation.
Discussing media freedom in Central Asia, OSCE media freedom representative called for release of all imprisoned journalists
Publishing date: 19 October 2017
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
TASHKENT, 19 October 2017 – The authorities in Central Asia must release all journalists interned in the region, said the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir in his opening remarks at the 19th Central Asia Media Conference, “Open Journalism in Central Asia”, which concluded in Tashkent today...
Deteriorating journalists’ safety situation and impunity continue to plague media freedom in the OSCE region, OSCE Representative says
Publishing date: 1 December 2016
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
VIENNA, 1 December 2016 – Attacks on journalists and impunity for crimes committed against journalists continue to plague media freedom in the OSCE region, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović told the Permanent Council today when she presented her latest semi-annual report on media freedom developments in the OSCE region over the past six months...
OSCE Representative reiterates call on authorities in Azerbaijan to decriminalize defamation
Publishing date: 17 November 2016
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
BRUSSELS, 17 November 2016 – Following steps in Azerbaijan to expand criminal insult provisions, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today reiterated her call on the authorities to reform the country’s defamation legislation...
Internet freedom an imperative frontline for free expression and free media, OSCE conference participants say
Publishing date: 14 September 2016
Content type: Press release
VIENNA, 14 September 2016 – Internet freedom is a cornerstone of free expression and free media, and must be ensured and strengthened, participants said today at a two-day OSCE-supported conference in Vienna...