Science & Tech
ICC judges tighten ethics rules on social media use
The changes target Articles 10 and 12 of the code, strengthening the ethical framework governing judges’ conduct as digital communication becomes an increasingly important part of public life.
The revised code took effect on October 16 following amendments agreed upon by the judges during a retreat on September 29, 2026, according to a statement issued by the court. (File photo)
By: Nelson Mandela Muhoozi, Journalist @New Vision
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Judges of the International Criminal Court have amended their Code of Judicial Ethics to explicitly require caution in using social media and other information technologies.
The revised code took effect on October 16 following amendments agreed upon by the judges during a retreat on September 29, 2026, according to a statement issued by the court.
The changes target Articles 10 and 12 of the code, strengthening the ethical framework governing judges’ conduct as digital communication becomes an increasingly important part of public life.
Under the revised Article 10, a new sub-paragraph requires judges to exercise caution when using social media and other information technologies.
The provision reinforces the need for judicial officers to exercise restraint in their online conduct, given the demands of their office.
The amendment to Article 12 explicitly states that the ethical standards contained in the code are binding and that failure to comply may amount to misconduct.
The provision reinforces the need for judicial officers to exercise restraint in their online conduct, given the demands of their office.
The amendment to Article 12 explicitly states that the ethical standards contained in the code are binding and that failure to comply may amount to misconduct.
The changes clarify both the expected conduct of judges in digital spaces and the consequences that may arise when they fail to meet the court’s ethical requirements.
The ICC said the revisions reflect the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards that are responsive to contemporary developments and commensurate with the dignity of judicial office and public trust.
The amendments were made under regulation 126 of the Regulations of the Court and entered into force upon publication of the revised code on the ICC website on October 16.
The court did not announce any specific disciplinary cases or sanctions alongside the amendments.
The ICC is a permanent international court that prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression, within its jurisdiction. Its judges exercise judicial authority in proceedings involving some of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
The ICC said the revisions reflect the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards that are responsive to contemporary developments and commensurate with the dignity of judicial office and public trust.
The amendments were made under regulation 126 of the Regulations of the Court and entered into force upon publication of the revised code on the ICC website on October 16.
The court did not announce any specific disciplinary cases or sanctions alongside the amendments.
The ICC is a permanent international court that prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression, within its jurisdiction. Its judges exercise judicial authority in proceedings involving some of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.