Challenges to Media Organisations due to Anti-terrorism Laws

Abstract

The twenty-first century has witnessed a significant increase in terrorist activities across the world, especially after the attacks on New York and Washington on September 11 2001. The phenomenon, of international terrorism, represented a huge challenge to states and civil societies. The governments’ reactions were swift and strong, primarily in the enactment of anti-terrorism laws and the strengthening of the cooperation in security issues. However, despite a general consensus as regards the necessity to legislate in the face of the growing threat of terrorism, the provisions, of the new laws, were criticised heavily by the media; human rights; and civil liberties organisations; and the public in general. The main grievance was tension between the aim of ensuring security and concerns about reducing civil liberties. In view of their exceptional role in society, the independent media, became one of the indirect victims of the new legislation, with severe restrictions imposed on journalists. This thesis examined the various legislative approaches. The conclusion is that, without properly addressing security concerns, the new laws affected media organisations unduly.