Understanding Press Freedom and Whistleblower Protection

The video discusses James Risen's exposure of NSA wiretapping and a CIA operation that gave nuclear blueprints to Iran. It highlights Risen's legal struggles with the US government over source protection and the broader implications of government surveillance on press freedom. The video also introduces SecureDrop, a tool for protecting journalistic sources, and emphasizes the need for technological solutions to safeguard whistleblowers globally.

What significant event did James Risen expose in his book?

• The Watergate Scandal

• NSA's illegal wiretapping

• CIA's involvement in Vietnam

• The Iran-Contra Affair

What was the US government's reaction to Risen's book?

• They praised his work

• They ignored it

• They awarded him a medal

• They launched an investigation

How did the government gather evidence against Risen?

• Using electronic surveillance

• Through public records

• By interviewing witnesses

• By hacking his computer

What was the outcome of the government's investigation into Risen?

• Risen testified against his source

• The case was dropped

• Risen fled the country

• Risen was convicted

What is a major risk to press freedom according to the transcript?

• Lack of funding for journalism

• Government's expanded surveillance capabilities

• Decline in newspaper readership

• Competition from social media

What technological tool is mentioned as a way to protect journalistic sources?

• SecureDrop

• Antivirus software

• Firewall

• VPN

Who originally created SecureDrop?

• Aaron Swartz

• James Risen

• Julian Assange

• Edward Snowden

What is the primary purpose of SecureDrop?

• To encrypt emails

• To store news articles

• To facilitate whistleblower submissions

• To track government activities

Why is it important to protect whistleblowers in various fields?

• To ensure they receive financial rewards

• To prevent media bias

• To maintain public trust in the government

• To uphold constitutional rights

What is a potential consequence of not protecting whistleblowers?

• Increased government transparency

• Higher public trust

• More media coverage

• Suppression of important information