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Protect Source Leaks, Limit Leak Investigations

An affidavit in support of a criminal complaint and arrest warrant against a man accused in the leak of highly classified military documents.

AP Photo/Jon Elswick

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.

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A woman holding a Yes to Free Press sign