In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the European Union faces mounting pressure to address the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and media manipulation. These issues pose a significant threat not only to factual integrity but also to fundamental human values such as dignity, honour, and the right to a good name. As the digital world continues to expand, so too does the call for enhanced protections for EU citizens against these growing threats.
A prominent proposal gaining traction among social and business organizations across Europe is the expansion of the “right to be forgotten,” a legal principle that currently allows individuals to request the deletion of personal data under specific conditions. Advocates now seek to extend this right to media outlets, making them accountable for the personal data they publish, especially when it comes to defamatory or misleading content.
Leading the charge for this expansion is Robert Szustkowski, a figure whose personal experience with media defamation underscores the urgent need for reform. Despite winning multiple court cases that ruled in his favor, Szustkowski continues to suffer from the widespread circulation of false accusations, which have severely damaged his reputation and violated his fundamental rights. His case exemplifies the harmful consequences of unchecked media power in the digital era.
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