Agence France Press: In Wake of Snowden Leaks, Intel Whistleblower Law Passed
Earlier this week, the House passed a law providing government intelligence community employees with whistleblower protections. The bill, once signed into law, will create the first enforceable statutory whistleblower rights for employees at intelligence agencies.
Key Quote: “It’s a no-brainer to restore safe alternatives to illegal leaks,” said Tom Devine of the Government Accountability Project, which defends Mr. Snowden.
Last year, the former intelligence contractor leaked details of vast US surveillance programs on everything from everyday people’s phone calls to intrusions into high-tech companies’ servers.
But non-staff contractors, such as Mr Snowden during his time working for the NSA, are not covered by the new protections. They had been protected under a law that was in effect between 2007 and 2012.
Daily Kos: Supreme Court Stands Up for Privacy Rights – Holds Searching Cell Phone Requires Warrant
In this blog, GAP National Security & Human Rights Director Jesselyn Radack explains the significance of yesterday’s Supreme Court decision that cell phone searches by law enforcement require a warrant (except in cases with exigent circumstances). Radack states this is a clear victory for privacy advocates, explaining how this ruling (and others) “makes NSA’s questionable arguments for the legality of its mass surveillance operations even more untenable.”
If you’re in the San Francisco area today, be sure to tune into KAWL’s Your Call program at 10:00 a.m. local time, when GAP Executive Director Bea Edwards will discuss the state of whistleblowing and a free press in a growing surveillance state. Edwards is author of the recently published book The Rise of the American Corporate Security State: Six Reasons To Be Afraid.
Wall Street Journal: Omnicare to Pat $124 Million to Settle False-Billing Claims
Omnicare, an elder care company, has agreed to pay a $124 million settlement to resolve two lawsuits filed by whistleblowers under the False Claims Act. The company allegedly offered improper discounts to skilled-nursing facilities and made false billings to federal health programs.
Dylan Blaylock is Communications Director for the Government Accountability Project, the nation’s leading whistleblower protection and advocacy organization.