So Much For Freedom Of The Press

[RetiredArmy]

Thanks losty

[CapnAwesome]

You don't have a free society without a free press.

[Wyrd of Gawd]

Just remember that if you're ever on a jury that's hearing such a case you can always vote "not guilty".

[paulpablo]

This brings a few thoughts to mind and a few questions.

1) The article starts off by saying it's basing this on an unverified document which is shaking grounds to begin with.

2) I don't really know if this is a restriction on freedom of the press or if it's just surveillance.

3) I don't really understand why the emphasis has been made on a warrant not being needed.  A warrant is simply a specific type of authorization, so instead of that type of authorization a different type of authorization is needed, in both circumstances with or without a warrant some form of authorization is needed from some form of government employee.

4) You could say that it would be a bit hypocritical of the press to complain about something like this since it seems like it's fairly common for the press to use these tactics on celebrities and other people, illegally, via phone hacking.  But I realize not every member of the press does this.

[Minimalist]

2) I don't really know if this is a restriction on freedom of the press or if it's just surveillance.

And when a reporter writes a story critical of the NSA or CIA all the FBI has to do is secretly access his/her phone records and they can track down the leak?  That is meant to be a chilling restriction on freedom of the press.

[Thumpalumpacus]

Authorization from a judge involves holding a hearing where reasonable suspicion is established by the presentation of evidence to a who who had lifetime tenure.

That's a far cry from two bureaucrats who may have to respond to pressure from supervisors to keep their paychecks.

[Wyrd of Gawd]

If the evidence is gathered without a warrant vote "not guilty". It may take 100,000 such "not guilty" verdicts but eventually the Gestapo will get the message.

[Minimalist]

If such information is even allowed to be entered into evidence, you mean.

[Pat Mustard]

Note that the USA is colored yellow, according to the newest report on freedom of the press by reporters without borders. The only thing surprising me a little is Poland being white. But that's obviously because the data has been collected before the clero nationalists took over and started working on their press.

Ireland shouldn't be white either. Denis O'Brien has a very chilling effect on press reporting, especially now that he owns a good chunk of the media.