EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline

The EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline were adopted in 2014. They recall the international human rights standards on freedom of opinion and expression and provide both political and operational guidance to EU officials and staff, as well as to EU Member States.

More specifically, they aim to offer practical guidance on the prevention of potential violations of freedom of opinion and expression, the analysis of such cases, and the possible responses. Ultimately, they set out the circumstances under freedom of opinion and expression can be legitimately limited.

The EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline include six priority areas of action:

• combating violence and threats to exercise of Freedom of Expression and impunity for such crimes;
• promoting laws and practices that protect Freedom of Expression; promoting Media Freedom and Pluralism;
• discouraging interference with impartial or critical reporting;
• promoting and respecting Human Rights in cyberspace and ICTs;
• promoting Best Practices by Companies;
• promoting Legal Amendments and Practices to strengthen Data Protection and Privacy.