It has been reported that on 6 February 2026, a privacy notice was issued to all IPSO publishers on behalf of Peter Mandelson.
Impress’ advisory notice service, operating under the Royal Charter for the self-regulation of the press, exists to enable affected individuals to alert news publishers that their privacy should be respected at particular times, such as periods of shock or grief following a bereavement. A notice is typically issued via email, and is sent around to all publishers highlighting the request has been made and the relevant parts of the Code for them to consider.
Impress has also issued advisory notices in situations of heightened risk to Code compliance during major public interest events, including live terrorist attacks or extreme weather incidents. Examples of such notices can be found here.
An advisory notice is precisely that: it does not impose any restriction on publishers’ news-gathering activities or editorial discretion, nor does it constitute prior restraint by the regulator. However, where a complaint alleging a breach of privacy is subsequently made, the fact that an advisory notice was issued in advance of the conduct complained of may be taken into account by the regulator. The service is designed to support responsible journalism in sensitive circumstances.
When reporting the news, editors and journalists must not breach an individual’s right to privacy. However, they can report on matters one would reasonably expected to be private, if it is a matter of public interest. The public interest is what we have a legitimate stake in, or a right to know about because of its importance to society.
The advisory notice service cannot be used a means of avoiding legitimate press scrutiny of matters squarely in the public interest. This is particularly the case where reporting concerns allegations of serious wrongdoing, misconduct, criminality, or corruption, particularly by public figures, such as politicians and public officials. Any use of the service that has the effect of undermining the press’s essential role in holding the state and those in power to account runs contrary to its purpose and to the principles of press freedom.
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Media enquiries
Louie Chandler: info@impressorg.com / 020 3325 4288
