Bill threatens teens’ access to news

Lawmakers in both parties and the White House are pushing the Kids Online Safety Act, or KOSA, a bill that would require online platforms to mitigate harms like anxiety and depression to minors as a solution to the alleged dangers the internet poses to teens. 

But more than 90 LGBTQ+, human rights, and civil liberties organizations already oppose KOSA, arguing it will make kids less safe. Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) Deputy Advocacy Director Caitlin Vogus explains in Tech Policy Press that it will also make teenagers  — including those preparing to cast their first votes or considering enlisting in the military —  less informed. Kids, like everyone else, need access to news, even if it might upset them. 

It doesn’t matter if Assange is a journalist

Every time we talk about Julian Assange’s prosecution we hear the same thing from his critics: Assange is not a journalist and his case has nothing to do with press freedom.   

Sometimes they say it’s because he did not contextualize the documents Wikileaks published, or because of his radical political views, or because they think he’s a “hacker.” Other times it’s because of unsubstantiated claims the disclosures put American lives at risk. Still other times it’s due to allegations that — years after the events at issue in Assange’s indictment — he collaborated with Russia to help Donald Trump get elected.

Even if all that and every other criticism you’ve heard of Julian Assange is true, it’s irrelevant under the Espionage Act, the main law being used to charge Assange. FPF Advocacy Director Seth Stern wrote about why the Assange prosecution puts all journalists at risk, even if you don’t think Assange is one himself. 

Celebrating Global Encryption Day

This Saturday is Global Encryption Day, a worldwide effort to protect end-to-end encryption and defeat proposals that try to undermine it. Encryption is critically important to journalists and confidential sources. That’s why FPF joined a statement with more than 200 other organizations that calls on governments and companies to pursue policies that enhance, strengthen, and promote use of strong encryption to protect people everywhere. 

Voices on both sides of the Israel-Hamas war have been highly critical of the media’s coverage, and we’re not here to dismiss anyone’s grievances. But hopefully everyone can agree that journalists are more likely to get the story right if they have the tools to communicate with their sources and can report the news without fearing for their own lives.

Here are some stories about the dire situation journalists face as they attempt to cover the war.

Journalists killed in the Israel-Gaza war: A look at six lives lost (The Washington Post)

Journalists in Gaza wrestle with issues of survival in addition to getting stories out (Associated Press)

CPJ urges Israel not to close Al-Jazeera (Committee to Protect Journalists)

It’s becoming impossible to report from Gaza (The Washington Post)

I am a Palestinian journalist from Gaza. I fear a media blackout of the war (Los Angeles Times)

Freelance journalist harassed, press badge briefly stolen at pro-Israel rally (U.S. Press Freedom Tracker)

What we’re reading

Governor’s comments about reporter infuriating, dead wrong. Apparently, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen couldn't defend himself from the facts. Flatwater Free Press journalist Yanqi Xu reported about alleged pollution at his hog farms, so he resorted to an offensive, weak response disparaging her based on where she's from.

American journalist detained and charged in Russia. Russia must stop arresting journalists on bogus charges. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Alsu Kurmasheva is the second American journalist to have been detained in Russia since the Russia-Ukraine war started in 2022, joining Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained since March.

Journalist union seeks reporters’, sources’ emails in lawsuit. The NewsGuild — a union dedicated to protecting the interests of journalists — is seeking reporters’ communications with sources in court. How exactly does that serve the interests of the press or public?

A memorial for Daniel Ellsberg, and a discussion of his legal legacy

Join Daniel Ellsberg’s family on Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. EDT for an online memorial to celebrate the life and legacy of the legendary whistleblower and FPF co-founder, who passed away on June 16 at age 92. The livestream will be available here.

Then, on Oct. 25 at 1 EDT, join FPF’s advocacy team and Executive Director Trevor Timm for a discussion of Ellsberg’s legal legacy and the challenges still facing modern-day whistleblowers and the journalists who cover their disclosures. Click here to register.