Snowden anniversary a reminder of the need to protect whistleblowers and journalists
AP Photo/George Brich
Whistleblowers are essential to a free and unfettered press.
Whistleblowers play a critical role in informing the public and holding the government to account.
Sources who act out of conscience to leak information to the press further our democracy. Whistleblowers like Daniel Ellsberg, Chelsea Manning, and Edward Snowden, have exposed some of our government’s gravest abuses.
Unfortunately, whistleblowers are often prosecuted and jailed. That’s wrong. Whistleblowers and the journalists they work with should be celebrated, not punished.
Featured Items
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Computer crime at the Supreme Court: Freedom of the Press Foundation and others weigh in on an upcoming CFAA case
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act in a highly anticipated case, which has attracted over a dozen amicus briefs from experts around the country. Today we're highlighting some of the important speech arguments that directly affect journalists, presented in a selection of those briefs.
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The amended EARN IT Act remains a threat to press freedom
The full Senate is expected to vote on the controversial EARN IT Act in the coming days, after unanimous approval from the Judiciary Committee on July 2. EARN IT would open the door to criminalizing encryption protections and increase censorship online, posing a significant threat to press freedom and whistleblowers.
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Brave whistleblowers are being punished for saving lives during a pandemic
The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the importance of whistleblowers to a free and unfettered press. Throughout this emergency, it has been whistleblowers playing a critical role in informing the general public and forcing governments to make important public health decisions.
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How do newsrooms get their news tips? We reviewed over 80 news outlets
We looked at over 80 news sites to measure how different newsrooms can get sensitive tips from sources.
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Tell Rep. Adam Schiff to remove this dangerous secrecy provision from this year’s intelligence bill
Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff inserted a provision in the House's intel bill that threatens press freedom.
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Outrageous raids on journalists in Australia and elsewhere threaten press freedom
Recent raids on journalists and newsrooms in Australia are the latest in a string of instances — in no way limited to Australia — of government targeting of journalists for their reporting.
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Chelsea Manning could be jailed again today
Manning was released after a grand jury investigation into WikiLeaks expired last week, but she was immediately subpoenaed to order before a new one — and she could be jailed again for her courage when she resists again.
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The Trump admin is on pace to shatter the record for the most prosecutions of journalistic sources
The latest arrest and indictment of an alleged whistleblower should concern all journalists.
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Why is Chelsea Manning still in jail?
The ongoing detention of Chelsea Manning is inhumane and punitive, and she should be released immediately.
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The Trump administration’s indictment of Julian Assange threatens core press freedom rights
The Trump administration's indictment of Assange may criminalize many common journalistic practices.
