Wednesday’s warning by the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM), was that the environment in which journalists operate in the Caribbean region is becoming more dangerous.
The regional media umbrella group called on Caribbean governments and their domestic allied institutions, to take all steps to ensure journalists are not targeted with the intent of revealing the identities of confidential sources.
The ACM stated that the theme for this year’s observance Journalism Under Digital Siege puts the spotlight on the global security of journalists pursuing their professional obligations.
Security is often referred to by media workers as physical security in hostile conditions. This could include coups detats, violent protests, or terrorist activities.
These are important, but journalists and media workers are more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. These can result in the physical harm to journalists, their sources, as well as the destruction of their Information Technology infrastructure and devices.
The environment in which journalists operate in the Caribbean is becoming more dangerous. Many countries have already passed legislation to intercept communications and combat cybercrime. There is evidence that cybercrime legislation could be misused and make it difficult to preserve freedom of expression.
According to the ACM’s statement, state entities were accused in several Caribbean countries of having acquired spyware that could access digital communication and compromise privacy rights.
It stated that media companies have become more aware of their inherent vulnerabilities as a result of having an online presence for most journalists and media. These vulnerabilities include hackers who have the sole purpose of destroying channels that offend the public and private status quo, and thus preventing the free flow the truth to the wider community.
Journalists and media houses will be advised to take the necessary steps to prevent, detect, block intrusions to privacy and ultimately their computer infrastructure.
