Olivia O'Kane - Internet Service Providers and User Generated Content

The Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland recognised the advantages and the dangers of the internet and remarked on the role of service providers in R v McCartney [2009] NICA 52 the:

"[16] The internet has revolutionised the way in which we live…there is much that is positive about the internet, this case demonstrates the dangers to which children can be exposed as a result of which they may be corrupted or indeed in some cases exploited…This case illustrates graphically the dangers faced by adolescents with unsupervised access to the internet and the need for parent to be aware of the requirement for a high degree of supervision of the use of computer equipment. It also raises serious questions as to whether service providers are doing enough to prevent the dissemination of this type of dangerous and degrading material on the internet and indeed whether there is in fact a legal obligation on them to do so."

Currently, in Europe there is no general requirement for an internet service provider (“ISP”) to moderate user generated content (“UGC”). 

The McAlpine v Bercow High Court Hearing as it Unfolded on Twitter

Full stream of live tweets from (@JackofKent) who attended the preliminary hearing at the High Court in the case of Bercow v McAlpine. Full ruling by Lord Tugendhat here.

Today at 10.30am, ruling of High Court on whether #Bercow's "Why is Lord McAlpine trending? *innocent face*" tweet was defamatory at law.
— Jack of Kent (@JackofKent) May 24, 2013