CJF poll finds the public supports right to access news over personal reputation
Apr 04, 2018, 11:11 ET
TORONTO, April 4, 2018 /CNW/ - A new poll commissioned by The Canadian Journalism Foundation finds the right to access news outweighs personal reputation considerations when it comes to online news stories.
The poll, conducted by Maru/Matchbox earlier this month among more than 1,500 people, found that 74 per cent believe broadly that Canadians' right to access news overrides the right to remove accurate and lawful stories that have a negative impact on a person's reputation.
"As the Office of the Privacy Commissioner contemplates a 'right to be forgotten,' it will need to strike a balance between those rights protecting freedom of expression and the right to manage reputation online," says Canadian Journalism Foundation executive director Natalie Turvey. "These polling results suggest Canadians may prioritize their Charter rights and that we care deeply about our right to access news and information."
A more specific question involves removing a story if an individual is concerned about an accurate news story affecting his/her personal reputation. In that case, public opinion was more polarized: 58 per cent believed a search engine should not be required to remove it, while 42 per cent believed it should.
The poll results come ahead of today's topical half-day symposium exploring the right to be forgotten, 'Striking the Balance: Privacy and Freedom of Expression in a Digital Age' featuring Daniel Therrien, privacy commissioner of Canada; Michael Geist, law professor at the University of Ottawa; Peter Fleischer, global privacy counsel for Google; and other top privacy experts.
The CJF thanks sponsor Google and in-kind supporters CISION and CPAC.
Tickets are available at the door for this event, cash only. Please note this first-time location. A livestream is also available.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 4
Doors open: 1:30 p.m.; Sessions 2:00 p.m.; Reception 5:15 p.m.
WHERE: The Globe and Mail Centre – Level 17, 351 King St. E., Toronto
General admission: $49
Student tickets (ID required. Limited availability): $29
About Maru/Matchbox
Maru/Matchbox has been pushing the boundaries of customer intelligence since 2000 when they began disrupting the market research industry as the research arm of Vision Critical. Since then, their insight communities have broken new ground, adding depth and richness to clients' understanding of what motivates their customers and influences their markets. Now, as part of the Maru Group, they still operate many of the hundreds of insight communities that they implemented then, while also providing sector-specific consulting and research and in-depth qualitative insights.
The Angus Reid Forum (ARF), as part of the Maru Group, is a premier Canadian online panel with many features that differentiate it from traditional online access panels. Consisting of over 150,000 Canadians ARF is well represented across numerous demographics and consumer attributes.
About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes excellence in journalism by celebrating outstanding journalistic achievement. Our signature events include an annual awards program featuring a must-attend annual industry gala where Canada's top newsmakers meet Canada's top news people. Through J-Talks, our popular speaker's series, we facilitate dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.
SOURCE Canadian Journalism Foundation
For further information: For inquiries: Natalie Turvey, Executive Director, The Canadian Journalism Foundation, 416-955-0396, nturvey@cjf-fjc.ca
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