Trump’s anti-press rhetoric is dangerous, but his actions are worse
Over 300 news organizations join together and publish editorials denouncing Trump's attacks on the press. And while his rhetoric gets an outsized amount of attention, his administration’s actions are more dangerous to the press than anything Trump has said.
Facebook’s terms of service obstruct important journalistic research
By prohibiting automated collection of information, Facebook's terms of service are obstructing important digital and investigative journalism. In a letter, the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University asks Facebook to modify its terms of service.
Police are threatening free expression by abusing the law to punish disrespect of law enforcement
It’s not illegal to be disrespectful to police officers. But police officers are abusing their positions of power and co-opting hate crime laws to censor criticism and offensive language.
By targeting encrypted content, Australia threatens press freedom
The Australian government is considering legislation that would endanger source protection, confidential reporting processes, and the privacy of everyone in an ill-conceived effort to grant law enforcement easier access to …
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.
Supreme Court rules police need a warrant for your cell phone location data
Law enforcement can no longer claim people have no right to privacy when using a cell phone, and must obtain a warrant to collect historical location data, the Supreme Court ruled today in the long-awaited Carpenter v. United States. This ruling marks a victory for the First and Fourth Amendments, and for journalism.
Newsrooms fight their owners to save local journalism
Hedge funds like Alden Global Capital are profiting off of decimating local journalism outlets across the country. But newsrooms are fighting back.
How Snowden has changed journalism and privacy, five years later
Five years ago today, the first story based on the Snowden revelations exposing the NSA's mass surveillance regime was published. In the years that have followed, Snowden's disclosures have transformed the national and international conversation about privacy in our digital lives.
The #J20 trials are about the future of the First Amendment
The government’s ongoing and aggressive prosecution of people arrested merely for their presence at a protest where crimes allegedly occurred is dangerous, and will have chilling effects on the future of dissent in the United States.
Manuel Duran could be deported for doing journalism
Memphis journalist Manuel Duran was arrested while covering a protest. Although he faces no charges, he remains in ICE custody and could still be deported for doing his job. His detention is unconscionable, and an affront to press freedom.