Session 4: Parallel Breakout Session A - United…

Reporting and information-sharing on terrorist attacks, including by authorities, the media, as well as social media platforms have a profound impact on victims' right to privacy, and may lead to additional trauma or even exploitation.The victims' right to privacy may be limited in the interest of satisfying the public's right to receive accurate information in the aftermath of a terrorist attack, but only to the narrowest extent that it is necessary. Media exposure of victims can create a platform for public discussions, how to further support victims, and "humanise" those who have been affected by terrorism, as well as for the mobilization of popular support of victims. It can also have a positive role in supporting victims' right to be recognized as such, including the right to truth and information. However, in the immediate aftermath of a terrorist attack, victims often face overwhelming attention from both the general public and the media which can lead to breaches of privacy of the victims and their families which can have a profound impact on their long-term well-being. This session will discuss how to protect the right to privacy of victims of terrorism while ensuring the rights to freedom of expression and access to information of public interest. It will also look at the roles of the State and of the media in protecting privacy and consider broader digital protection issues for victims of terrorism in an age of social media.