New Laws Could Block ASIO From Investigating Journalists: Spy Chief

Published on March 25, 2024

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is warning against tightening secrecy laws around journalists saying they could prevent domestic security from investigating the media—a target of foreign spies. Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Jake Blight is reviewing the effectiveness and proportionality of secrecy laws and offences covering the disclosure of information, which is due to lapse this year. In a public hearing on March 25, ASIO warned that the use of journalists by spies—whether compromised or unwittingly—is a potential threat to national security. According to ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess, some foreign agents masqueraded as reporters, while others attempted to compromise legitimate journalists. They also often used proxies and agents to hide their connection to a foreign intelligence service....

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