In its Opinion published today, the EDPS welcomes the objectives pursued in the proposed EU Media Freedom Act to protect media freedom, independence and pluralism across the EU. Media freedom is a precondition for the functioning of media services in the EU’s internal market and, more importantly, a key enabler for the rule of law and democratic accountability in the EU.
Nevertheless, the EDPS is concerned that the measures envisaged to protect journalists, their sources, and media service providers included in the proposed EU Media Freedom Act may not be effective in practice. In this respect, the EDPS’ recommendations are twofold. Firstly, to clarify that any journalist would benefit from the protection offered by the proposed Media Freedom Act. Secondly, to further define and restrict the possibility to waive the protection of journalistic sources and communications, particularly the exceptions related to the prohibition of intercepting communications using spyware or other forms of surveillance of media service providers.