Law Summary
Scope of the Protection
- The protection applies specifically to news reports or information appearing in the publication.
- The source protected is only that which was related to the media personnel confidentially.
Limitations and Exceptions
- The privilege is without prejudice to the media personnel's liability under civil and criminal laws; this means that protection from revealing sources does not exempt them from legal responsibility for content.
- The court or a House or committee of Congress may compel disclosure if it finds that revealing the source is demanded by the security of the State.
Legal Procedures and Authority
- Compulsion to reveal sources may only occur through judicial or congressional authority.
- The determination to compel disclosure is based on a finding that it is necessary for State security.
Effective Date
- The Act took effect immediately upon approval, ensuring the amended protection is enforceable from that date onward.