‘No safeguards’: Why India’s new tax law poses a ‘severe risk’ to journalists
A new tax law in India that grants authorities sweeping powers to access emails, cloud accounts, and encrypted devices during searches has generated widespread concern among journalists and digital rights advocates, while adding to a raft of tax legislation around the world that could be weaponized against the media. India’s parliament on August 12 passed…
Taliban blocks fiber optic internet in Afghan provinces for ‘immorality’
New York, September 17, 2025—Taliban authorities must immediately restore fiber optic internet in Balkh and up to nine other provinces to ensure that Afghan citizens have access to Wi-Fi internet and journalists can continue to provide the public with reliable news, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. “Banning broadband internet is an unprecedented escalation…
CPJ, partners call on Lebanese Parliament to ensure media law protects press freedom
CPJ joined 13 local and international organizations in urging the Lebanese Parliament to ensure the draft media law under consideration upholds free expression. The draft law, submitted to the parliamentary committee in May 2025, included significant advancements in protecting free expression in Lebanon, including abolishing pretrial detention and prison sentences for all speech-related violations. It…
CPJ, others call on Egypt to end transnational repression against exiled journalists
In a joint statement, led by the Committee to Protect Journalists, 25 press freedom and human rights organizations called on the Egyptian government to end its transnational repression campaign against exiled journalists, including investigative reporter Basma Mostafa, who currently lives in Germany. The statement also urged German authorities to ensure her safety and uphold international…
Pakistani journalist’s YouTube channel blocked, under investigation in drive against exiled media
New York, May 16, 2025—Pakistani authorities must immediately restore access to exiled investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani’s YouTube channel in Pakistan and stop law enforcement agencies harassing him and his family, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. “Blocking journalist Ahmad Noorani’s YouTube channel and filing a criminal case against him is indicative of Pakistan’s relentless…
Guatemalan journalist Quimy de León subject to smear campaign involving CPJ
Mexico City, April 16, 2025—A Facebook account named “Melvin Veum” launched a paid advertising smear campaign on Monday, April 14, that used CPJ’s logo to legitimize false narratives against Guatemalan journalist Quimy de León, director of independent news website Prensa Comunitaria and recipient of CPJ’s 2024 International Press Freedom Award. The post featured two images…
Brazilian reporter’s personal information, photos leaked following investigative work
São Paulo, March 20, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Brazilian authorities to swiftly and comprehensively investigate the leaking of UOL news journalist Thiago Herdy’s personal information and photos online following his investigative series on alleged emergency works contract irregularities in the municipality of São Paulo. “It is clear that posting details of Thiago Herdy’s private life on…
CPJ alarmed by India state government’s use of AI to monitor media
New Delhi, March 13, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists urges India’s Maharashtra state authorities to consult with journalists and media groups to ensure that its plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor media coverage and correct “negative” reports does not undermine press freedom. According to a March 6 Government Resolution approving the release of…
Bangladesh journalists face threats from attacks, investigations, and looming cyber laws
New York, February 14, 2025— Six months after a mass uprising ousted the increasingly autocratic administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshi journalists continue to be threatened and attacked for their work, along with facing new fears that planned legislation could undermine press freedom. Bangladesh’s interim government — established amid high hopes of political…
Free speech fears mount as Pakistan’s Senate approves bill criminalizing ‘false news’
New York, January 28, 2025—Pakistan’s Senate on Tuesday passed controversial amendments to the country’s cybercrime laws, which would criminalize the “intentional” spread of “false news” with prison terms of up to three years, a fine of up to 2 million rupees (US$7,100), or both. The amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) were…