Publication
Protecting journalism sources in the digital age
ISBN : 978-92-3-100219-9
Collation : 191 pages
This comprehensive study highlights changes impacting on legal frameworks that support protection of journalistic sources in the digital age. This research responds in part to a resolution by the 38th session of UNESCO鈥檚 General Conference held in 2015 as well as the CONNECTing the Dots Outcome Document adopted by 195 Member States that same year.
While the rapidly emerging digital environment offers great opportunities for journalists to investigate and report information in the public interest, it also poses challenges regarding the privacy and safety of journalistic sources. These challenges include:
- mass and targeted surveillance,
- data retention,
- expanded anti-terrorism measures and national security laws, and
- over-reach in the application of the above.
All these can undermine the confidentiality protection of those who collaborate with journalists, and who are essential for revealing sensitive information in the public interest, but who could expose themselves to serious risks and pressures. The challenges chill whistleblowing and, thereby, undermine public access to information and the democratic role of the media. In turn, this jeopardizes the sustainability of quality journalism.
The present research provides recommendations for the future of journalistic source protection. Interviews, panel discussions, thematic studies and a review panel ensured the input of legal and media experts, journalists and scholars.
