A federal appeals court has blocked a Justice Department effort to obtain LinkedIn data belonging to journalists. The ruling rejects a demand that originated during the Trump administration. The court found the request unconstitutional in its scope.
Judges determined the government’s demand was overly broad. The request could have exposed many unrelated confidential sources. Protecting those sources is a central concern in the decision.
Prosecutors sought account records from LinkedIn, the professional networking platform. The data included login details and connection information. Such records can reveal who reporters communicate with.
The court weighed national security interests against press freedoms. It concluded the government failed to justify the breadth of its request. Narrower demands might survive legal review, the ruling suggested.
Journalists and press advocates welcomed the decision. They argued that sweeping data requests chill investigative reporting. Confidential sources often require assurances of anonymity to speak.
The case reflects broader tensions over digital privacy. Third-party platforms hold extensive records about users. Government access to those records faces growing legal scrutiny.
The ruling sets a precedent for similar disputes. It signals that courts will closely examine demands for reporter data. The government has not indicated whether it will appeal further.
