A/HRC/7/14 Page 24 On censorship 69. The Special Rapporteur recommends that Governments adopt legislation that unambiguously prohibits all forms of censorship in media outlets, both in the traditional media and the Internet. Defamation, libel and insult charges, particularly when stemming from public figures and specifically State authorities, do not justify any form of prior censorship. 70. Administrative and bureaucratic regulations of media outlets, including licensing, should be clearly established by law and overseen by independent institutions. The Special Rapporteur urges Governments not to make subjective use of these regulations as a means to exert undue pressure, suspend or ban media outlets. 71. The Special Rapporteur urges Governments to extend the measures to protect freedom of opinion and expression to the Internet, in particular to website contributors and bloggers, who should be granted with the same level of protection as any other type of media. Internet providers and website registration with national authorities should not be subject to any specific requirement. The right to privacy of Internet users should be protected in all circumstances, except cases of child pornography and incitement to racial, religious and ethnic hatred. Any legal dispute arising from the use of the Web should be dealt with in the country where the website has its origin. On diversity 72. The Special Rapporteur urges Governments to take the appropriate measures to create a free and enabling environment where a plurality of media outlets can exist. In this regard, adequate measures need to be taken to prevent the phenomenon of media concentration, in particular the creation of media monopolies that could endanger pluralism, affect media independence and increase the cost of information. These measures should be taken by independent institutions that are protected against political or other forms of interference, particularly from the Government. The legitimate aim of preventing media concentration should not be used as a justification to exert undue pressure on outlets that are critical or independent.

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