📰DOJ Policy on Subpoenas and News Media Information
Policy Regarding Obtaining Information From, or Records of, Members of the News Media; and Regarding Questioning, Arresting, or Charging Members of the News Media
Summary
This rule amends the Department of Justice regulations regarding obtaining information from news media to bring the regulations back into alignment with the decades-long practices in place before dramatic changes were adopted in 2022. The purpose of these regulations since their first adoption more than 50 years ago has been to strike the proper balance between the public's interest in the free dissemination of ideas and information and the public's interest in effective law enforcement and the fair administration of justice. But after several years under these changes, the Department has concluded that the current policy strikes the wrong balance, undermining the Department's ability to safeguard classified, privileged, and other sensitive information, and that the earlier, longstanding practices related to news media records were more optimal. The rule therefore rescinds the amendments of 2022 and adopts a modified version of the 2014 regulations, revised to better align with what had been longstanding Department practice.
Agencies
- Justice Department
Business Impact
$$ - Med
This regulation entails compliance requirements for any business involved with the news media, specifically the handling of subpoenas and access to information related to news activities. It governs how law enforcement can interact with media, affecting legal and operational frameworks for businesses in journalism.