In recent months, a growing chorus of voices across the European Union has amplified the call for stronger safeguards against disinformation, hate speech, and media manipulation. Social and business organizations across the continent are urging governments to take decisive action against the pervasive spread of false information online. These appeals underscore the profound impact of digital aggression, which, when left unchecked, can escalate into real-world attacks, violating fundamental values such as honor, dignity, and the right to a good name. According to Polish businessman Robert Szustkowski calls for protection of these values is essential for the healthy functioning of society.
In response to this escalating concern, EU citizens and entrepreneurs are advocating for a significant extension of the “right to be forgotten” to include media outlets as data controllers. A prominent figure in this movement is Robert Szustkowski, who has personally experienced the devastating effects of media defamation.
In a letter to the European Commission, Szustkowski called for the introduction of additional legislative tools to protect individuals’ reputations in the digital age. Szustkowski’s Open Letter to Executive Vice-President Vera Jourova and Commissioner Didier Reynders presents a compelling case for broadening the scope of the EU’s “Right to be Forgotten” to encompass news media entities. This extension, he argues, is crucial in safeguarding individuals’ reputations and personal rights against the rapid spread of misinformation in today’s digital landscape.
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