Legal and Ethical Issues in Media

Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media and Information

• Defamation involves statements that harm a person's reputation.
  • Libel refers to written statements.
  • Slander involves spoken statements.
• To win a defamation case, a plaintiff must prove:
  • A false statement of fact was made.
  • The statement was communicated to a third party.
  • Fault was involved.
  • Damages were caused to the subject of the statement.
• Bullying is defined as severe or repeated abuse of a student.
  • It includes verbal, written, electronic, or physical abuse.
  • Bullying can cause physical or emotional harm to the victim or damage the victim's property.
• Bullying may even create a hostile environment for students.
• Cyberbullying uses technology (computers, laptops, phones) to harass others.
  • Examples include posting embarrassing pictures or videos, sending threats or hurtful messages.

Privacy

• Privacy is freedom from unauthorized intrusion and personal information protection.
  • Oversharing online can put privacy at risk which can lead to stalking or harassment.
• Protecting privacy involves:
  • Privacy functions (blocking, reporting).
  • Self-discretion.

Obscenity and Pornography

• Obscenity and pornography are related but different.
• Pornography uses nudity for sexual arousal.
• Obscenity involves material that is considered disgusting and offensive.

Copyright

• Copyright protects original works of authorship.
• Copyright rights include:
  • Reproduction
  • Distribution
  • Performance
  • Creating derivative works
• Protected works include:
  • Images
  • Written works
  • Audio content
  • Performance arts
• Copyright violation is plagiarism.
• Fair use limits copyright holder’s exclusive rights, but usage must conform to established parameters for educational purposes.

Netiquette

• Netiquette is a set of online behavior guidelines.
• Good netiquette is based on general real-life behavior standards.
• Key points of netiquette:
  • Remember the human (consider the other person/s).
  • Maintain real-life standards of behavior.
  • Understand the specific online environment (the particular online space).
  • Respect other people’s time and resources.
  • Be appropriate and well-mannered online.
  • Contribute valuable and helpful information.
  • Help keep online flame wars under control.
  • Respect other people's privacy.
  • Avoid abusing authority in online networks.
  • Be forgiving of others’ mistakes.