The role of the state in the field of communication is not only to refrain from interfering with the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of information, but to initiate actions and implement active or positive measures which promote the exercise of such rights.

State regulation may constitute a legitimate instrument to frame the exercise of freedom of expression and to avoid unjustified violations of the rights of others and of other principles linked to the general interest. In any case, as noted already, such rule can only represent or impose an interference that is necessary and strictly proportionate to freedom of expression and must be clearly provided for by a legal norm.

Issues that will be discussed here are:

• Freedom of expression on the Internet
• Internet Governance
• Access to information
• Criminal legislation
• Audiovisual/broadcasting regulation
• Independent regulatory authorities
• Self-regulation and co-regulation
• Current regulatory trends and concerns