RSF Resources for Journalists
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 […]
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 […]
Emotional stress can divide a journalist’s attention while on the field and thus negatively impact their work. This article, based on infographics from online medical consultation service provider Eutelmed, explains how journalists can effectively manage their emotional health during a mission. On-the-ground reporting requires journalists to focus on more than […]
The trauma experienced by journalists during their work can lead to lasting mental and physical health issues. It is important for journalists to understand the signs of trauma so that they can adequately respond to them. Journalists bear witness to disaster, suffering, and acts of violence on the job. They […]
Reporting on protests can be dangerous for journalists, who face various risks including assault and arrest. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has compiled some tips for journalists to better prepare and mitigate the risks while covering these events. In many places in the world, journalists covering protests are at risk of […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Contrary to popular belief, just using a password and encrypted communication software does not guarantee the safety of a device’s data. Anyone, especially journalists, should ensure that the information stored on their hardware is also encrypted. Simply having a password at the login page of a computer is not sufficient […]