IMMI – The EU Perspective

Abstract

On June 16th 2010, the Icelandic Parliament unanimously passed a proposal tasking the government to introduce a new legislative regime to protect and strengthen modern freedom of expression, and the free flow of information in Iceland and around the world (see www.immi.is). The idea is to collect the most liberal media acts in the world and transform their concepts into a new Icelandic media act so that Iceland becomes an attractive environment for the registration and operation of international press organizations, human rights groups (such as Wikileaks) and internet data centers. The concept proposed is fascinating as it shows visions for a new European media regulation regarding internet journalism. However, this proposal cannot be seen only from the Icelandic point of view. As Iceland is not only a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) but also applying for full EU-membership (www.eeas.europa.eu liceland/index_en.htm- last visited 10-08-2010), it is essential to consider the European perspective before such a legislative package can be successfully drafted. Most importantly, the article therefore takes a closer look at the topics of data retention (I.), liability (II.), process protection (III.), the publication rule regarding archives (IV.) and whistleblower's protection (V).