Reviewed October 2016
Although internet publication internationally has few ethical codes binding it, in many countries web publication linked to publishing companies will be expected to adhere to basic ethical principles.
In the UK, newspaper websites are expected to comply with the requirements of the Editors’ Code, which is administered by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. This is currently under review and a new, amended code is expected to be issued in early 2016
Members of the NUJ also sign up to upholding its own code of conduct, which has several significant differences from the Editors’ Code.
Journalists are advised to watch news reports and the NUJ’s website for developments in this area in the coming weeks and months.
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Written by David Banks, Media Law Consultant and Trainer. David runs the Law, Ethics and Copyright workshops for NUJ Training Wales.