Two days ago, Senator Patrick Leahy introduced a newer, stronger version of the US FREEDOM Act. This came upon the heels of the House watering down the legislation. Privacy groups have thrown support behind this bill. Leading the pack are Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
On July 28, the HRW and ACLU published a joint report, With Liberty to Monitor All: How Large-Scale US Surveillance is Harming Journalism, Law, and American Democracy. The report states that the US’s huge, over sweeping, large-scale surveillance hinders US-based lawyers and journalists from doing their work. That surveillance has implicated both our First and Sixth Amendment rights by undermining media freedom and the right to counsel.
Based on interviews with journalists, lawyers, and US government officials, the 120-page report describes how journalists and lawyers must modify their work and practices in order to keep confidential information secure due to the government’s surveillance of electronic communications.