Journalist charged with hacking Tucker Carlson interview, news organizations sound alarm

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Press freedom groups have expressed concern that a journalist who allegedly obtained unaired footage of Tucker Carlson interviewing Kanye West could face hacking charges.

The Freedom of the Press Foundation said the federal indictment of digital journalist Timothy “Tim” Burke poses a threat to the future of digital journalism and sets a precedent that would allow the government to seize reporters’ computers.

The indictment handed down Thursday by a Florida grand jury alleges that Burke, 45, used fraudulent credentials to gain access to protected computers and conspired to obtain, steal and release footage. Mr. Burke’s lawyers dispute this.

The case stems from a federal investigation that appears to have begun last year after multiple news outlets covered leaked behind-the-scenes footage of Carlson’s interview with the rapper now known as Fox News’ Yee. It’s emitting. In May, investigators seized Mr. Burke’s digital newsroom under a sealed affidavit and refused to return his electronic equipment.

In an appeal last year, Mr Burke’s lawyers said he was able to access the footage because he was directed by a confidential source to identify an individual who had released his login credentials to the live feed of the interview. .

The indictment does not name Fox News, Mr. Carlson or Mr. Ye, but alleges that one of the networks, Mr. Burke, accessed the video stream on Oct. 6, the same day as Mr. Carlson’s interview. A multinational media company based in New York City. you broadcast.

Burke, who was arrested Thursday morning, has been charged with 14 counts, some of which relate to violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Seth Stern, advocacy director at the Freedom of the Press Foundation, said in a press release that the law under which Burke is being charged is a “vague and ambiguous law” and that federal law enforcement agencies “will continue to test its limits.” We are warning prosecutors against this.”

“Prosecutors should not experiment with the CFAA as a way to criminalize journalists who find information online that embarrasses public figures,” Stern said.

Leaked behind-the-scenes footage included Ye’s blatantly anti-Semitic comments.

Caitlin Vogus, vice president of the Freedom of the Press Foundation, said part of an investigative journalist’s job is to find information that those in power want to keep secret.

“Journalists should be encouraged to use the Internet to find newsworthy information without being prosecuted for doing so,” Vogus said in a press statement.

Burke’s lawyers told CNN that their client has been “devastated by the allegations” professionally, emotionally and financially.

The Independent has contacted Mr Burke’s lawyer and Fox News for comment..