A High-Tech War on Leaks

A High-Tech War on Leaks

Journalists used to have a chance to protect their sources, but advances in surveillance technology have changed that.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/sunday-review/a-high-tech-war-on-leaks.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

It used to be that journalists had a sporting chance of protecting their sources. The best and sometimes only way to identify a leaker was to pressure the reporter or news organization that received the leak, but even subpoenas tended to be resisted. Today, advances in surveillance technology allow the government to keep a perpetual eye on those with security clearances, and give prosecutors the ability to punish officials for disclosing secrets without provoking a clash with the press