Media Freedom: The Fight Back

In April 2019, I gave a TED talk at TED’s main conference in Vancouver, Canada about the dangers of social media platforms and how they have been used to undermine democracy. The talk was based on nearly three years of research and reporting published in the Observer. Arron Banks sued me for defamation as a result of that talk.

 
On 14 January I will appear in the High Court to defend myself against Mr Banks' claim.  I am defending the claim on the basis that the speech was in the public interest.  I have submitted a 47 page witness statement which details my research and reporting which led to the TED Talk.  I believed – and continue to believe – that there is a strong public interest for giving this talk.


Thank you to everyone who’s supported me in this case. It’s meant so much. The last two years have been enormously difficult. Facing litigation of this nature, alone, without any institutional support, over a period of years has been - and continues to be - extremely challenging. 

 
Defending this matter is costly, but I believe it's the right thing to do.  The upcoming trial, and the preparation for the trial, are the most expensive parts of the litigation.  I would be very grateful for any further donations to assist me with this crucial stage.

 
Thank you, Carole