Not publishing newsworthy leaks isn’t journalistic integrity, it’s timidity
Reporting on leaked information informs the public, while claims of harm are often overblown.
Journalists routinely rely on leaked information to inform the public. Without leaks, we’d be left in the dark about vital information involving the government, corporations, and powerful individuals, who often act in secret.
When government information is leaked, the U.S. routinely claims, without proof, that the leak damages national security. We should be skeptical of claims that leaks cause harm, and of broad leak investigations that can lead to the surveillance of journalists and sources and the chilling of reporting.
Featured Items
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New Congress must prioritize press freedom
Plus: Pornhub seeks prior restraint against the press
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Government lawyers’ lies and stonewalling endanger press freedom
A newly updated report shows that federal judges should take Trump administration claims in First Amendment cases with a huge grain of salt
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Espionage Act: The zombie law haunting Halloween week
Plus: New coalition of journalists fights back against attacks on the First Amendment
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Stop the Pentagon’s secrecy grab
Plus: The U.S. Virgin Islands needs transparency reform, another journalist subpoena comes to light, and some good news for the press in Puerto Rico
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Now confirmed as DNI, Jay Clayton is threat to press freedom
If Clayton is willing to break DOJ policy at Donald Trump’s request and then lie about it, what will he do now that he’s in charge of an incredibly powerful surveillance apparatus?
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It sure looks like Jay Clayton lied to Congress about the NYT subpoenas
Clayton may be the next DNI. But his willingness to disregard press freedom rules to appease the president makes him unfit to serve in the role
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New prize rewards making public records truly public
Plus: DOJ’s losing streak continues
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Trump admin escalates attacks on journalists, probing family communications
After the Times reported on Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One replacement, his administration looked for any excuse to snoop on the reporters and their relatives
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Lawsuit fights Ellison-Trump corruption’s harm to news outlets
Plus: NYT subpoenaed for reporting on Trump’s bribe plane
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Subpoenas to NYT have nothing to do with national security
The Trump administration’s efforts to suppress reporting show exactly why we need to protect journalists
