Rights orgs to Georgia AG: Stop criminalizing dissent and privacy
Attempts to criminalize "burner" phones and other tools commonly used by journalists and activists are dangerous and unconstitutional
Bipartisan support for the PRESS Act
As unlikely as it sounds, Republicans and Democrats are putting their differences aside to support the most important press freedom legislation in modern times — the PRESS Act.
FPF explains the importance of the PRESS Act
Bipartisan bill would protect journalist-source confidentiality and put a stop to government surveillance of reporters
Harsh punishments for leakers hurt journalism
Former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn received the maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment on Monday, after pleading guilty to leaking Donald Trump’s returns to The New York Times. Littlejohn also leaked a tranche of ultrawealthy Americans’ tax documents to ProPublica. It’s sadly ironic that Littlejohn is being harshly punished for exposing billionaire tax evasion while billionaire tax evaders themselves continue to be afforded leniency by the judiciary.
Why political rivals can and should come together for press freedom
It takes courage for politicians likely to be criticized by journalists to nonetheless stand up for their constitutional rights
Israel and US continue to ignore press freedom violations
As more and more journalists are killed and the international press remains shut out of Gaza, the time is now for the Biden administration to pressure Israel to act
FAQs about the PRESS Act
The PRESS Act -– which passed the House last week with no opposition — is the most important press freedom legislation in modern history. It would finally put an end to retaliatory surveillance of journalists who embarrass officials, as well as court orders requiring journalists to choose between burning their sources and risking jail time. As it heads to the Senate, we answer some of the common questions we’ve seen asked about the act. Topics range from the substance and scope of the bill to what you can do to help get it through the Senate.
Vigil recognizes journalists killed in Gaza
The deaths of more than 80 journalists in the Israel-Gaza War are horrific and shameful
PRESS Act passes the House
The House of Representatives passed the PRESS Act by unanimous consent on Jan. 18, 2024. The act is a bipartisan reporter’s shield bill that would protect journalists from being forced to name their sources in federal court and would stop the federal government from spying on journalists through their technology providers. It’s the strongest shield bill we’ve ever seen — and also the one with the best chance of becoming law. Now it’s up to the Senate to finish the job.
PRESS Act unanimously passes the House. Now on to the Senate!
The federal reporter’s shield bill is one step closer to becoming law. It’s time for the Senate to do its part to protect press freedom and pass the PRESS Act.
