Now that the government has harnessed surveillance technology in monitoring journalists, they have been forced to invest in expensive and time-consuming counter measures to protect their sources. Journalists can now tap anti-surveillance tools including digital security guides and training programs and an anonymous tip line called SecureDrop that uses security and privacy software to encrypt messages and destroy metadata trails so that even reporters do not know the identity of the source unless the source reveals it. (Committee to Protect Journalists, April 27, 2015, by Tom Lowenthal)
Not all journalists are aware of the dangers they face in protecting sources and some who are aware succumb to self-censorship avoiding topics that might invite government surveillance. Sources are also becoming more aware of the risks and refuse to speak to the media. (Index on Censorship, April 28, 2015, by Nicholas Williams)
A joint report from the Human Rights Watch and the ACLU shows that surveillance is corroding media freedom and due process damaging the U.S. public’s ability to make government accountable. The report is based on some 50 interviews with journalists covering intelligence, national security, and law enforcement for prominent media outlets. (Human Rights Watch, July 28, 2015)