Media Organisations Act as Intervenients in Legal Case Against Norwegian Government

The Norwegian Press Association, the Association of Norwegian Editors, the Norwegian Union of Journalists, and the Norwegian Media Businesses' Association are joining as interveners in the anticipated lawsuit by the Tinius Trust.

This spring, the Tinius Trust announced its plans to challenge new legal provisions in Norway. These provisions grant the Norwegian Intelligence Service and the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) expanded authority to collect and monitor the public's use of electronic communication services on a large scale.

Norwegian press organisations have expressed their support for this legal challenge and have declared their intention to participate as intervenors.

Elin Floberghagen, the Secretary-General of the Norwegian Press Association, emphasised the significance of this issue for both the media and society. The Norwegian Press Association are particularly worried about the potential impact on the media's ability to protect their sources confidentially. They argue that assessing these new governmental powers is crucial to ensure they do not infringe on the protection of sources and the freedom of speech.

Reidun Kjelling Nybø, Secretary-General of the Association of Norwegian Editors, expresses deep concerns regarding Norway's new surveillance legislation.

– With such a high degree of surveillance as the new legislation entails, the confidentiality of journalistic sources will be directly and indirectly affected, she states.

Nybø highlights the potential risks of exposing journalistic sources under increased surveillance. She suggests that the fear of such exposure could dissuade individuals from coming forward with valuable information.

Dag Idar Tryggestad, the Norwegian Union of Journalists' leader, shares these apprehensions. He comments on the extensive data that Norwegian authorities can now gather and store, cautioning that this could lead sources to remain silent, fearing identification.

– This will make it more difficult for media to perform their societal role, Tryggestad explains.

Randi Øgrey, CEO of the Norwegian Media Businesses' Association in Norway, underscores the importance of unwavering protection for journalistic sources. She asserts that in light of the new surveillance laws, it is crucial to conduct a judicial review to safeguard these principles.

– With these new powers, we are heading towards a surveillance society we do not want, where freedom of speech and the confidentiality of journalistic sources are at stake, Øgrey states.