Der Standard should not have been forced to reveal online commenters’ personal information
ECHR - The European Court of Human Rights found in particular that user data did not enjoy the protection of “journalistic sources”, and there was no absolute right to online anonymity. However, the domestic courts had not even balanced the interests of the plaintiffs with the interests of the applicant company in keeping its users anonymous so as to help promote the free exchange of ideas and information as covered by Article 10 of the ECHR. The court orders had thus not been necessary in a democratic society. (Judgement 12937/20)