theguardian.com
US Newspapers Adopt 'Right-to-be-Forgotten' Policies for Old Crime Stories
US newspapers are implementing "right-to-be-forgotten" policies, removing names or deleting old crime stories to help the 70 million Americans with past arrests or convictions rebuild their lives, prompted by ethical concerns and societal impacts of persistent online records.
- What is the impact of past crime coverage on individuals' lives, and how are news organizations responding to address this issue and improve the lives of those affected?
- In the US, over 70 million adults have past arrests or convictions, impacting job and housing applications. News organizations are now reviewing archives and removing names or deleting old stories about minor crimes to help these individuals rebuild their lives, addressing a significant societal challenge.
- How might these 'right-to-be-forgotten' policies evolve, and what are their potential long-term implications for journalism, criminal justice reform, and societal perceptions of those with criminal records?
- These initiatives are changing newsroom practices, leading to more thoughtful coverage and consideration of the long-term consequences of reporting on arrests. The impact extends to broader conversations around criminal justice reform and equitable access to opportunities for those with past convictions, potentially influencing policies beyond media.
- What ethical considerations and practical challenges are involved in news organizations' decisions to remove or alter old crime stories, and how do these initiatives balance public access to information with individual rights?
- Several US newspapers have adopted 'right-to-be-forgotten' policies, prompted by ethical concerns and requests from individuals harmed by old crime coverage. This follows 2020 racial justice protests and reflects a broader media reckoning with biased reporting. The policies vary, but generally exclude violent crimes and focus on older, minor offenses.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article is framed to largely support the initiatives to remove or alter past crime coverage. The positive experiences and justifications of the editors are prominently featured. While some concerns are mentioned, they are not given the same level of detail or emphasis as the successes of the programs. The headline itself, if there were one, would likely emphasize the positive aspects of these programs.
Language Bias
The language used in the article is mostly neutral and objective, although there is a tendency to use positive language when describing the initiatives and the individuals involved. For example, the phrase "completely atoned" carries a positive connotation, while the phrasing could be more neutral, such as "had completed his sentence". Similarly, terms like "heartfelt plea" and "long journey of rehabilitation" carry emotional weight, potentially shaping the reader's understanding. More neutral terms might strengthen objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the efforts of news organizations to remove or alter past crime coverage, but it omits discussion of potential downsides or criticisms of these policies. For instance, there's no mention of concerns about public access to information or the potential for misuse of such a system. The lack of counterarguments could leave readers with a skewed perception of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between the value of preserving old crime stories and allowing individuals to move on with their lives. While the article acknowledges the complexities involved, it primarily highlights the benefits of removal, potentially neglecting the nuances of journalistic responsibility and public accountability.
Sustainable Development Goals
News organizations are actively working to remove or alter old crime stories from their archives, mitigating the long-term negative impacts of past arrests on individuals' lives, particularly those from marginalized communities. This directly addresses the inequalities faced by people with criminal records who struggle to find jobs or housing due to their past. The initiatives aim to create a more equitable society by reducing barriers to re-entry and rehabilitation. The removal of outdated or inaccurate information helps prevent the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and biases.