Phone Hacking Scandal (2011)
ScandalAbout
The 2011 phone hacking scandal involved widespread illegal phone hacking by journalists in the UK, primarily at News of the World. The scandal came to light in July 2011 when it was revealed that the newspaper had hacked into the voicemail of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler. This disclosure sparked a public outcry and led to significant consequences, including the closure of News of the World after 168 years of publication. The scandal implicated not only journalists but also police officers, as evidence of bribery and corruption emerged. Investigations uncovered a broader culture of illegal information gathering, affecting celebrities, politicians, and ordinary citizens. The scandal led to high-profile resignations, including those of Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson. The Leveson Inquiry was established to investigate the scandal and propose reforms for the media industry. The scandal highlighted serious ethical and legal breaches in journalism, prompting calls for stricter regulation and greater accountability in the media. It also exposed deep connections between media and political figures, further complicating the situation.
