An appeals court has ruled against the Trump administration's request to access LinkedIn communications from journalists, stating it was overly broad and infringed on First Amendment rights. The Department of Justice sought data from journalists who had published numerous articles, not just those involved in a specific report. The court highlighted concerns over government overreach and the impact on journalists' ability to connect with sources.
Key facts
- The appeals court ruling occurred on November 11, 2026.
- The DOJ requested 18 months of communications from numerous journalists.
- The request was not limited to those involved in a specific report.
- Judges noted the potential harm to journalists' First Amendment rights.
- A secrecy order had prevented LinkedIn from informing journalists for a year.
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