Editors' Code of Practice Committee

Three revisions to the Editors’ Code of Practice, to which the British Press subscribes voluntarily and which is enforced by the Press Complaints Commission, are announced today. The changes have been ratified by the PCC and take effect from 19 October, 2009. They cover: • Privacy – Clause 3 has been amended to make clear that the PCC will take into account relevant previous disclosures made by the complainant. • Harassment – Clause 4 will require journalists in situations where harassment could become an issue to identify themselves if requested to do so. • The Public Interest exceptions will include journalistic activity where editors can demonstrate a reasonable belief that they were acting in the public interest at the time.