Tort Liability in the Field of Electronic Journalism According to Syrian Law

Abstract

With the technological advancements occurring worldwide and the proliferation of the internet, recent years have witnessed a radical transformation in media, particularly in electronic journalism. This transformation has not been limited to the format and method of news dissemination but has also extended to have a wide-ranging impact on the speed and effectiveness of information exchange. The temporal and geographical boundaries that previously restricted traditional journalism's ability to reach a wide audience across different parts of the world have been eliminated. Journalists can now publish news, reports, and analyses as events unfold, revolutionizing how audiences consume news and information.

Despite all the benefits that electronic journalism has brought, new legal challenges have emerged regarding how to hold journalists and media institutions accountable for damages that may arise from their content. Due to the wide and rapid dissemination of information, false or misleading news can cause significant harm to individuals, companies, and even governments. Traditional laws often struggle to keep pace with the rapid developments in electronic journalism. Therefore, this research will discuss the delicate balance between individuals' right to privacy and freedom of expression, which represents one of the core principles of journalism. We will review the legal texts and international agreements related to this issue and analyze how they are applied in the Syrian context to ensure the protection of rights without restricting fundamental freedoms.