The first World Trends report in 2014 filled an important gap in contemporary media and communications research. While other studies and reports offered snapshots of specific dimensions or regions, UNESCO’s World Trends was the first to present a systematic trend analysis of the multiple aspects of media freedom, pluralism, independence, and safety, while giving special attention to gender-sensitive considerations.

Given the success of the first World Trends report and the need for additional research, UNESCO led a second edition in the series, focusing in depth on selected digital-era trends. World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development – Special Digital Focus 2015 provides a substantive analysis of key areas identified in the first World Trends as particularly relevant for further study, namely the issues of: online hate speech, protection of journalism sources, and the role of internet intermediaries in fostering freedom of expression, as well as continued focus on the safety of journalists. It also builds on issues raised in the 2015 UNESCO study titled Keystones to foster inclusive Knowledge Societies.

The current publication therefore contains four thematic chapters:

1. Countering Online Hate Speech

2. Protecting Journalism Sources in the Digital Age

3. Fostering Freedom Online: The Role of Internet Intermediaries

4. Safety of Journalists