EU law to protect journalists from spyware takes effect

A report outlines how the European Media Freedom Act has taken effect amid criticism from press freedom groups that surveillance safeguards were diluted, potentially undermining protections for journalists. It highlights concerns that member states have not aligned national laws with EMFA and that amendments broaden member states’ leeway to use spyware under national security and other state-function justifications. The piece cites recent cases of spyware targeting journalists in Spain, Greece, Hungary, and Italy—where WhatsApp warned dozens of targets and Paragon reportedly severed ties after Italy declined independent verification—underscoring fears that oversight and enforcement will be weak.