Other topics

I am a media student, and throughout my studies I frequently encounter complex halachic questions concerning the boundaries between freedom of expression, information disclosure, and lashon hara (harmful speech). From my time in yeshiva, I recall that the Chafetz Chaim sets stringent and detailed conditions for when speaking lashon hara for a constructive purpose is permitted. At times, it seems as though halacha tends to protect the offender—shielding him behind a wall of silence—while the victim, who has been harmed, remains unprotected and without recourse. How can we understand the Torah’s approach, which appears to exercise extreme caution toward wrongdoers rather than coming to the aid of those they have hurt?

I have had the opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah of pidyon petter chamor for the first time in my life. Should I recite the blessing of shehecheyanu on this mitzvah?