http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/security/35 ... aedophiles



Though I'm a bit concerned at the potential for a precedent being set, journalists/newspapers being afraid to publish such investigative articles in the future...

What's investigative about printing a bunch of fibs?

I wasn't talking about the DM

What really winds me up is the sensationalism of the Daily Wail. This is the kind of crap they would publish, ignoring the fact that half of their "facts" are incorrect.

If they had actual records and verifiable information then there should not be a threat to investigative journalism. If they have not double checked their facts they should pay out, and who knows maybe Facebook can bankrupt the DAily Mail and we will never have to hear them moaning about immigrants and pregnant teens ever again.

It's more the threat of costly court cases and our currently ridiculous libel laws I was thinking about, as has happened with quite a few medical-related issues recently...

If they research sources and do a proper investigation, rather than relying on rumour and speculation, then they should have nothing to worry about.

Exactly. If they can prove their facts in court there is no way that a court will find against them.

It's the cost in the meantime to the newspaper (for talk's sake) though, especially these days... And who knows what way a British judge dealing with suspected libel will rule?

Christ, Justice Eady decided there wasn't a Nazi theme to Max Mosley's activities as part of the case before him IIRC...

Yes but the paper could have checked its facts before repeating the libel.

As for the Mosley sex party was not Nazi themed, the Judge was clearly wrong, but the public will still think of Mosley as a Nazi sympathiser.

Except even if you win in a libel case you can not reclaim your expenses from the other side. So its perfectly possible to win the case and end up bankrupt.

It still has to be decided as being libelous though, and that's just far too random for my liking, especially when you introduce blogging etc

if they print something about someone which is clearly not true. Now we all know that the real Jon Venables is in custody, so the simple fact that he is in his own home would be evidence that he is not the killer. Though the police should clarify his status for his own public safety. if they do not then they are in breach of their duty to protect life and maintain order.