سیاست گذاری برای فضای رسانه ای دیجیتال مبتنی بر حاکمیت قانون

This study aims to examine the significance of two fundamental elements—the rule of law and freedom of the media—which today are recognized as global values and international standards. It further explores the mutual relationship between these two principles on the one hand, and on the other, the role and responsibility of policymakers and legislators within a democratic society in operationalizing the rule of law and narrowly interpreting limitations in favor of media freedom and its manifestations. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical method and based on library-based research, this paper investigates the legal status and normative weight of the principles of rule of law and freedom of the press, emphasizing their historical roots, their current recognition as universal legal values, and the ways in which these two principles reinforce and sustain one another. The findings of this research indicate that the establishment of a desirable digital media environment is contingent upon coherent and rights-based policy and legislative frameworks. Such frameworks are conditioned by both political and legal dimensions, which in turn shape the extent of freedom available to journalists, media actors, and users in cyberspace. To achieve this goal, governing authorities must demonstrate a genuine commitment to the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, while recognizing the essential role of media and emerging technologies. Additionally, adherence to key democratic values—such as freedom of expression, human rights, media pluralism, and non-discrimination—alongside the narrow interpretation of permissible restrictions, the strengthening of independent public service media, and the establishment of autonomous regulatory bodies, constitute vital components of an effective governance strategy for digital media in democratic societies.