Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

GSOC offices in Dublin Niall Carson/PA Archive/PA Images
Snooping

Gsoc access to journalists' phone records 'really worrying'

The NUJ is seeking to meet the watchdog over its accessing of private data.

THE NATIONAL UNION of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed concern over the accessing of journalists’ mobile phone records during a criminal inquiry into a third party.

The Irish Times reported today that Garda watchdog Gsoc studied the records of two journalists as part of an investigation into the leaking of information to the media.

The paper said the oversight body launched the inquiry after a friend of deceased model Katy French lodged a complaint about coverage of her death.

NUJ secretary Séamus Dooley told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that the union is seeking to meet Gsoc over the issue.

“What is unusual about this power is that the journalist is not told in advance and that is a major concern that we would have,” he said.

There is a veil of secrecy about this. I’ve been contacted by a number of journalists who have raised concerns about this.
Gsoc have not made any comment. I will be looking for a meeting with [them].

Granted new powers

Dooley added that the case could lead to people thinking twice about talking to journalists.

He said “the accessing of the data of journalists is something which should only happen in extreme circumstances” and that Gsoc should have to prove their case.

“The notion that, without any access to a court or justifying it, Gsoc can go in secretly without the knowledge of the journalist concerned and get this information is really worrying,” he added.

The watchdog was granted powers last year to access journalists’ record, if required, during serious investigations.

Gsoc contacted at least three gardaí last year to inform them that a study of phone records had shown they were in contact with the reporters, according to The Irish Times.

French, a 24-year-old model, passed away in 2007 after collapsing at a friend’s house four days earlier.

A postmortem examination found traces of cocaine in her body.

Gsoc  said it had no comment to make.

Additional reporting by Daragh Brophy

Read: Gardaí accuse senior management of bullying members

Read: State surveillance: How Gardaí and others can secretly monitor you

Your Voice
Readers Comments
22
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.