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Cyprus is backing a controversial EU rule that allows government intelligence services to keep an eye on journalists for security reasons. This rule, tucked into the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), specifically in Article 4, lets authorities check journalists' devices under certain conditions if it's deemed a matter of national security. Despite not getting much attention, leaked info suggests this rule, pitched as boosting media freedom, might step on the toes of press freedom principles.
According to a report in PhileNews, a Cyprus representative confirmed their support for adding Article 4, joining several other countries in this stance. The regulation kicked off in October 2022 and is now in its final talks involving the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. The thorny issue of surveilling journalists is up for discussion in the last meeting next Friday.
There's the worry that if this rule gets the green light, it would override national laws in EU member states. Critics argue that Article 4 clashes with press freedom principles. A source in Brussels doubts the European Parliament will give the nod to such a text.
European journalists in the know claim that Cyprus, along with six other countries, isn't pushing hard for journalists. They're accused of trying to water down established EU laws guarding media freedom and making surveillance of journalists, even with malware, okay under the guise of national security.
The rule's backstory includes a dicey addition backed by 25 member states, allowing exceptions to spying on journalists in the name of national security. This addition, resisted by Hungary and Poland, raises concerns about the potential misuse of press freedom.
Cyprus, under fire for not being flexible on Article 4, is accused of wanting the rule to be more bendy, maybe making wiretapping easier. Media outlets across Europe will publish the results of the investigation, shining a light on the contentious talks about watching over journalists in the EU.
