The Need for Ethical Digital Journalism and Personal Justice

Digital journalism has the power to inform, hold institutions accountable, and raise awareness — but when done carelessly or unethically, it can also ruin lives. As someone who has been affected by unbalanced reporting and the misuse of personal data, I’m speaking up for responsible media practices and individual justice.

My name is Calvin-Lee Hardie, and I believe that freedom of the press must always be balanced with fairness, accuracy, and respect for the truth. I’ve experienced what it feels like to be publicly misrepresented, and I know how hard it can be to set the record straight once misinformation takes hold online.

I advocate for reforms in digital journalism that ensure:

- Individuals are given the right to respond before publication

- Outdated or irrelevant content can be reviewed and removed

- Copyrighted images and personal data are not used without consent

This is not about avoiding accountability — it’s about ensuring that accountability applies equally to publishers, platforms, and content creators who fail to meet basic legal and ethical standards.

If you’ve been affected by unjust coverage or digital harm, know that you have rights. The path to justice may take time, but with the right tools, legal protections, and support, it’s possible to reclaim your voice and correct the public record.

• Calvin-Lee Hardie