Michael Geist to Discuss E-Publishing and The Law

On March 6, Dr. Michael Geist will discuss the legal issues that are impacting everyone from the seasoned blogger to the average internet user, followed by a Q&A moderated by Sally Armstrong.

What: Anyone who blogs, comments, sends e-mail or otherwise publishes electronically is subject to the laws of defamation and libel, according to University of Ottawa Law School professor and internationally renowned expert on law and the Internet, Dr. Michael Geist. The Internet and new technologies have ushered in a seemingly unlimited array of possibilities for access to knowledge, creativity, and public participation. Dr. Geist will highlight the role that the Internet is playing for new creativity and knowledge sharing, while identifying the business and policy challenges that this creates for journalists and journalism.

Who: Dr. Michael Geist, Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law at the University of Ottawa, has written numerous academic articles and government reports on the Internet and law and was a member of Canada's National Task Force on Spam. He is an internationally syndicated columnist on technology law issues with his regular column appearing in the Toronto Star, Ottawa Citizen, and the BBC. Dr. Geist serves on the Privacy Commissioner of Canada's Expert Advisory Board and on the Canadian Digital Information Strategy's Review Panel. Moderator Sally Armstrong is a veteran journalist and author of Veiled Threat: The Hidden Power of the Women of Afghanistan.

When: Thursday, March 6, 2008 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Where: MaRS Discovery District, CR-3 101 College St at the SE corner of College & University.

Join The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) on Thursday, March 6, for this event, which is free of charge and open to the media and the public. Seating is limited. If you plan to attend, please register at info@cjf-fjc.ca or visit our website www.cjf-fjc.ca/programs.htm to register online.