This project focuses on online intimidation tactics used against individuals who speak out or report on environmental issues, and more specifically how it limits their human rights (including freedom of expression, right to privacy and right of association and assembly) and their environmental procedural rights.
This project involves an interdisciplinary study of online intimidation tactics used against individuals who speak out or report on environmental issues. The chilling effect of such practices can create an environment where public and social watchdogs are reluctant to express their opinions or report on certain issues to avoid further intimidation, essentially limiting their human rights (freedom of expression, right to privacy and right to association and assembly) and environmental procedural rights (Aarhus Convention). The research project will examine the extent to which existing European and national legislation applies to these relatively recent forms of intimidation and provides sufficient legal remedies to safeguard human and procedural environmental rights. In addition, it will assess what changes to the current legal framework are needed to ensure a robust public debate on environmental issues in which those who speak up, inform, criticize or raise awareness are not silenced.
