Media and information law is undergoing a period of rapid and wide-ranging change. The processing and publication of information is covered by a complex network of statutory and common law restrictions and remedies, from defamation to data protection, from breach of confidence to freedom of information. The Matrix Media and Information Group is able to provide expertise across the entire area.

The law of defamation is slowly being transformed by the increasing sensitivity of the courts to the need to protect freedom of expression. Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and human rights cases from Europe and the Commonwealth, have had an important influence in the development of domestic law. They have been taken into account in a range of cases, including in restricting damages awards in libel cases, in preventing public authorities from bringing libel actions, and in defining the limits of a "public interest" privilege for the media.

The balance between rights of privacy and freedom of expression comes before domestic, European and international courts in a new context. Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights has given impetus to the development of a “right of privacy”. The law of breach of confidence has absorbed Articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, producing a new tort of “misuse of private information”. At the same time, the media has been adversely affected by the development of statutory rights for individuals: for example, personal data has been given greater legal protection under the Data Protection Act 1998 and remedies provided by the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 have been used against the media.

In EC law, a very wide range of issues has arisen out of the need to manage technological change and to regulate restrictive practices and rigid market structures in the audiovisual media, telecommunications and IT sectors. Matrix offers extensive experience of regulatory action and litigation in this field, particularly in competition, sports law, free movement of satellite television services and mergers and acquisitions.

Matrix is ranked as a leading set in Defamation/Privacy by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500. In the latest edition of Chambers & Partners Heather Rogers is the top ranked defamation barrister, in the "star" category. It is said that clients praised "incomparable" Heather Rogers for her "astonishing flair and amazing expertise.", and that the "remarkably bright" Hugh Tomlinson QC impresses clients and solicitors alike with his "fantastic problem solving skills." The "high powered" Antony White QC "is described as having 'tons of knowledge'."

Members of Matrix are involved in litigation and advisory work across the whole range of media and information law issues.