Not publishing newsworthy leaks isn’t journalistic integrity, it’s timidity
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.
Featured Items
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Reality and the Espionage Act
The first whistleblower prosecuted by the Trump administration, Reality Winner pled guilty to one count of violating the Espionage Act. Her case is the latest in a long history of targeting sources and whistleblowers under the draconian law.
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Freedom of the Press Foundation statement on whistleblower Reality Winner’s plea deal
Former intelligence contractor and whistleblower Reality Winner has pled guilty to leaking a secret NSA report to the press.
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Trump's Justice Dept escalates its disturbing crackdown on leaks by seizing New York Times reporter's phone and email records
The surveillance of reporters for doing their job is an affront to press freedom.
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As leak investigations surge, our new lawsuit seeks the Trump admin's guidelines on surveillance of journalists
Leak investigations are up 800% and we have no idea how the Trump administration is targeting journalists.
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Statement on Jeff Sessions' disturbing press conference announcing a crackdown on leaks and journalism
An attack on leakers and whistleblowers is an attack on journalism itself.
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Beware of the Trump administration’s coming crackdown on leaks — and journalism
Prosecuting sources is a direct threat to press freedom.
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How the Espionage Act morphed into a dangerous tool used to prosecute sources and threaten journalists
The Espionage Act is a draconian statute used to stifle press freedom for decades.
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America’s ‘Official Secrets Act’ — the long, sad history of the 100-year-old Espionage Act
The Espionage Act is used to prosecute whistleblowers and threaten journalists. This is its history.
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Edward Snowden on Trump administration's recent arrest of an alleged journalistic source
The Trump administration charged a news outlet's source under the draconian Espionage Act this week. Edward Snowden responds.
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Statement on Trump allegedly telling Comey to jail reporters for publishing classified information
Trump allegedly urged Comey to imprison journalists who publish classified information. This is a grave threat to press freedom.
