41. At the time of the facts, Article 1071 bis of the Civil Code established: [a]rbitrary interference in the lives of others, by posting pictures, broadcasting correspondence, mortifying others because of their habits or feelings, or in any way disturbing their privacy, and the fact was not a criminal offense, will be forced to stop such activities, unless they have already ceased, and to pay a compensation that shall be equitably established by a judge, according to the circumstances; in addition, the latter may, at the request of the aggrieved, order the publication of the sentence in a newspaper or periodical, if this measure is appropriate for an adequate compensation. C. Considerations of the Court 1. Right to freedom of thought and expression and to private life 42. Regarding the contents of freedom of thought and expression, the Court has pointed out that those who are protected by the Convention not only have the right to seek, receive, and disseminate ideas and information of any kind, but also to receive information and be informed about the ideas and information disseminated by others. 35 43. Notwithstanding, freedom of thought and expression is not an absolute right. Article 13(2) of the Convention, which prohibits prior censorship, provides for the possibility of placing restrictions on freedom of thought and expression by imposing subsequent liability for abuse of this right. These restrictions in no way should restrict, beyond what is strictly necessary, the full exercise of freedom of thought and expression or become either a direct or indirect mechanism of prior censorship. 36 44. In its jurisprudence, the Court has established that media plays an essential role as vehicles for the exercise of the social dimension of freedom of expression in a democratic society, which is why it is vital that the media is able to gather the most diverse information and opinions. The media, as essential instruments of freedom of thought and expression, are required to discharge their social function responsibly. 37 45. Given the importance of freedom of thought and expression in a democratic society and the great responsibility it entails for professionals in the field of social communications, the State must not only minimize restrictions on the dissemination of information, but also extend equilibrium, to the greatest possible extent, to the participation in the public debate of different types of information, fostering informative pluralism. Consequently, equity must regulate the flow of information. Under these terms the protection of the human rights of those who confront the power of the media and the attempt to ensure the structural conditions that allow the equitable expression of ideas can be explained. 38 35 Cf. Compulsory Membership in an Association Prescribed by Law for the Practice of Journalism (Arts. 13 and 29 of the American Convention on Human Rights). Advisory Opinion OC-5/85 of November 13, 1985. Serie A No. 5, para. 30, and Case of Tristán Donoso V. Panamá. Preliminary Exception, Merits, Reparations and Costs. Judgment January 27, 2009. Serie C No. 193, para. 109. 36 Cf. Case of Herrera Ulloa V. Costa Rica. Preliminary Objections, Merits, Reparations and Costs. Judgment July 2, 2004. Serie C No. 107, para. 120, and Case of Tristán Donoso V. Panamá, supra note 35, para. 110. 37 Cf. Case of Ivcher Bronstein V. Perú. Merits, Reparations and Costs. Judgment of February 6, 2001. Serie C No. 74, para. 149, and Case of Herrera Ulloa V. Costa Rica, supra note 36, para. 117. 38 Case of Kimel V. Argentina. Merits, Reparations and Costs. Judgment of May 2, 2008. Serie C No. 177, para. 57. 17