Journalists to have code of conduct

The Commissioner for Data Protection is to draft a code of conduct for journalists, with the collaboration of those in the field.

The Data Protection Act, which came into force on July 15, 2003, is expected to bring about significant changes in the way data is stored and exchanged, introducing a number of restrictions on how - or how not - to use it.

The idea is to find a balance between the fundamental right to privacy and the journalist's freedom of expression, which can be conflicting, Data Protection Commissioner Paul Mifsud Cremona said.

He intends to work with the various sectors of the media to develop a code of practice which all journalists would have to abide by so as to help them work without infringing on the right to privacy but without creating obstacles to the carrying out of their duties.

The Institute of Maltese Journalists is inviting the various media institutions to put together their points of view, queries and difficulties on the law. Such comments will then be forwarded to the data commissioner for the drafting of the code of conduct.

Mr Mifsud Cremona intends to have a skeleton code drafted by the end of the year.

The code of conduct was vital to complete the law, he said, adding that several questions had yet to be answered and solutions found.

At a seminar on the Data Protection Act and Journalism at the Halland Hotel yesterday, several issues were raised on what constitutes privacy and when it is infringed; what is considered to be a public place; what can be published and what cannot.

The seminar, organised by the Tumas Fenech Foundation for Education in Journalism, in collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner for Data Protection, discussed important issues concerning journalism, enshrined in the law.

Any data processing has to be notified to the commissioner by Wednesday to be included in a public register. Mr Mifsud Cremona urged for notification not to be left to the last minute. The deadline has already been extended from April 15, following a transitory period.

www.dataprotection.gov.mt