
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.