News
CPJ publishes advisory for journalists planning to travel to the US
View(s):- “Journalists will not be exempt and should anticipate potential restrictions or questioning when
traveling to or from the United States,” the statement says, - following Trump administration proposal under which more than 40 countries are being considered
for full or partially restricted travel to the US
The US, which routinely issues strictures on media freedom to the Global South, has now had an advisory published against it on this very topic by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
An American non-profit based in New York City with correspondents worldwide, the CPJ promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists. In a statement this week, it pointed to a draft Trump administration proposal under which more than 40 countries are being considered for full or partially restricted travel to the US.
“Journalists will not be exempt and should anticipate potential restrictions or questioning when traveling to or from the United States,” it said.
The situation is deemed serious enough for the CPJ to advise that, should there be any chance of being affected by the restrictions, journalists should consider whether travel is essential or if reporting can be conducted remotely.
The possible risks include prolonged questioning at US borders regarding political affiliations, work history, and coverage of sensitive topics; device searches, for which the US Customs and Border Protection Agency does not require a warrant or even probable cause; and entry denial. Journalists holding dual citizenship may face additional screening, visa delays or denied entry.
The CPJ urged journalists to take proactive steps to mitigate the risks posed by the travel ban. For instance, “Review the data being carried on devices and see if any data could put you or others at risk if your devices are seized or searched.”
“Plan in advance what you will do and say should a border guard stop you or ask you to unlock your phone or laptop,” the CPJ even cautions.
“Know your legal rights regarding access to or the confiscation of your devices,” it states. “Be aware that failure to comply with a request from a border guard could result in devices being seized and, depending on the journalist’s immigration status, delays or refusal of entry.”
A sprawling digital safety checklist advises that: “Journalists who are at high risk of being detained at the border should consider leaving their personal and/or work devices at home and instead carry separate devices and a new SIM card. These devices should only have the information needed for your trip and not be linked to your personal or work accounts. Be prepared for border guards’ questions about why you are crossing a border without your personal or work devices.”
“Backup, delete, or remove access to any information you would not want others to obtain,” it continues. “If you need to access data while traveling, consider backing it up to a cloud account not linked to your devices. Do not hide data on your devices; border guards could view this as illegal.”
The CPJ also has guidelines for what to do if stopped at the border, including: “Stay calm and respectful. Do not lie to agents, as lying can be a crime. Identify yourself as a journalist and, if possible, present your credentials. Politely decline device searches if sensitive information is stored, but be prepared for possible escalation.”
And while in the US, “Remaining vigilant and being informed about these risks can help journalists navigate their time in the US more safely.”
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