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Digital safety
How to respond appropriately to online hate speech
Hate speech is one of the most common forms of online harassment journalists face. In this article, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) gives advice on how to respond appropriately when confronted with this phenomenon. Hate speech is one of the most prevalent forms of online harassment, whether posted on platforms or […]
Why journalists should stay away from Huawei devices
For the past ten years, connected devices from Chinese manufacturer Huawei have been decried as potentially dangerous for their users due to allegations of espionage. In this article, cybersecurity expert Ben Finn assesses for Reporters Without Borders (RSF) the state of play and gives recommendations for journalists to protect themselves […]
A checklist to prevent surveillance and digital attacks
In this article, digital security experts share with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) a checklist for journalists to protect themselves and their sources against surveillance and digital attacks. Cybersecurity is a critical concern for journalists working on sensitive issues, as they are at heightened risk of having their electronic devices hacked […]
Safely back up your data with the “3, 2, 1 rule”
In this article, cybersecurity expert Ben Finn shares with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) why journalists should always back up their files and data, and explains the simple “3, 2, 1” backup rule designed to prevent disastrous data loss. Electronic devices, crucial to the work of journalists, are vulnerable to technical […]
Biometric authentication does not guarantee a device’s safety
Many journalists wrongly think that biometric authentication features, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, are a sufficient way to protect their digital devices. Although this technology has its benefits, it is not sufficient to replace strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Biometric authentication seems secure… A booming trend. Biometric authentication features […]
Tor, the key to anonymously browse the web
Browsing system Tor enables journalists to anonymise their communications and may help access websites that are blocked on the local Internet. This article explains how Tor works and the benefits for journalists to use Tor in conjunction with a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Governments, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), or other […]
Digital safety advice when reporting in authoritarian regimes
In this article, a digital safety expert gives advice to journalists on how to keep their information safe when reporting in authoritarian regimes. Journalists reporting in authoritarian regimes face an increased number of digital safety threats. In this article, a digital safety expert, who asked to remain anonymous for safety […]
Four search engines that don’t track your online activity
Mainstream search engines such as Google, Yahoo or Bing save your IP address, search queries, and other identifying information which, if accessed by authorities or third parties, could be dangerous to journalists working in unfriendly places. Fortunately, secure search engines exist, and RSF, along with tech expert Ben Finn, has […]
Element, a decentralised alternative to messaging apps
Popular messaging apps are owned by private companies that store users’ communication on their own servers, putting journalists’ information at risk. In order to keep exchanges private, journalists can consider using the messaging application Element, an encrypted alternative that stores all its data on a personal server that uses a […]
Ransomware attacks, a threat to journalists’ data
Due to their valuable data, journalists can become targets of ransomware attacks, online attacks that block a user’s access to their own files with the intent to sell or use as blackmail. RSF and tech expert Ben Finn explains what journalists can do to reduce their likelihood of becoming a […]
The new risks of reporting in Hong Kong 
(updated in January 2025)
        
        Download the PDF here. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 – Hong Kong press freedom in free fall 1.1. China’s tightening grip on the media 1.2. Using law to silent dissent 1.3. Impact on journalists and media 2 – Safety tips for journalists 2.1. To protect against surveillance 2.2. When encountering […]