A new EU law aimed at protecting journalists from surveillance has come into effect, but critics warn it might be ineffective due to lack of enforcement and weakened provisions. Concerns grow as European governments show reluctance to fully implement the law, especially after amendments that loosen spyware restrictions. #EuropeanMediaFreedomsAct #SpywareProtections
Keypoints
- The European Media Freedoms Act (EMFA) is designed to protect journalists from spyware and surveillance.
- Many EU countries have yet to align their laws with EMFA’s provisions, undermining its effectiveness.
- Amendments to EMFA in June 2023 weakened restrictions on the use of commercial surveillance tools against journalists.
- European countries are increasingly involved in spyware cases, including invasions of Italian journalists’ phones with Paragon spyware.
- Critics argue that the relaxed surveillance rules could prevent the European Court of Justice from holding governments accountable.
Read More: https://therecord.media/eu-law-to-protect-journalists-from-spyware-takes-effect