Leveson

The Leveson Inquiry was a judicial public inquiry into the culture, practices, and ethics of the British press, chaired by Lord Justice Leveson. It was established in July 2011 following the News International phone hacking scandal, which revealed widespread illegal activities by journalists and private investigators working for News of the World and other media outlets1.

The inquiry aimed to examine the relationships between the press, politicians, and the police, and to make recommendations for a new, independent body to replace the existing Press Complaints Commission. The inquiry was divided into two parts: Part 1 focused on the culture, practices, and ethics of the press, while Part 2 was intended to investigate unlawful or improper conduct within News International and other media organizations1.

The inquiry began in July 2011 and concluded with the publication of the Leveson Report in November 2012. The report reviewed the general culture and ethics of the British media and made recommendations for a new, independent regulatory body1. It also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the press and called for changes to the existing regulatory framework.

The Leveson Report made several key recommendations, including the establishment of a new independent regulatory body, the introduction of a statutory underpinning to ensure compliance with the new regulatory framework, and the implementation of measures to protect the privacy and reputation of individuals. The report also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between press freedom and the protection of individuals' rights1.

In summary, the Leveson Inquiry investigated the culture, practices, and ethics of the British press, identified significant failings, and made recommendations for a new regulatory framework to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and protection of individuals' rights.