http://www.radionetherlands.nl/currentaffairs/071105-press-agency-spy-row By Rob Kievit 05-11-2007 Press freedom is almost sacred in the Netherlands, and direct government interference is unheard of. No Dutch cabinet, whatever its political complexion, would risk being accused of muzzling the press. The Netherlands ranks 12th on the 169-country Worldwide Press Freedom Index, published annually by Reporters without Borders. That is why a furore is raging over an apparent case of government personnel spying on the independent GPD press agency. Since June 2006, civil servants at the ministry of Social Affairs reportedly logged on secretly to GPD's internal computer network. Not just once or twice, but almost daily. Snooping Apparently the civil servants gained access using passwords and codes belonging to a former GPD employee and a journalist still working at the agency. For over a year, government staff were snooping around in the newsroom computers of GPD and its associated newspapers. GPD discovered the intrusions when the ministry's press office contacted the agency to ask for changes in an unpublished story - a portrait of Social Affairs Minister Piet-Hein Donner. Anger The main journalists' union, NVJ, reacted angrily. "The government is trampling on the independent role that journalism is supposed to play," says NVJ general secretary, Thomas Bruning. The Lower House of Parliament has summoned Social Affairs Minister Donner and Media Minister Ronald Plasterk to provide an explanation. They may have to fire the staff members concerned. So far, the Ministry of Social Affairs has only issued a terse statement. "We regret that this has happened. It is not government policy, and we reject such practices. Our ministry will investigate the matter and take measures to prevent a repetition." And that is all the Ministry wants to say, having handed the case to its lawyers. GPD Editor-in-Chief Marcel van Lingen is considering taking the case to court. The agency accuses the government of espionage. Meanwhile, the public prosecutor is investigating whether any criminal offences have been committed. Risks Other press agencies like ANP, and the news departments of national public and commercial television are investigating whether they, too, have been the target of government intrusions. The spying row highlights the risks of keeping sensitive information on a computer system that is connected to the outside world. Although entry was only possible for GPD staff and clients, their computer system was not sufficiently armed against unwanted visitors. Some blame must go to the agency for not ensuring better protection, but surely the major blame lies with the Ministry of Social Affairs, which should have banned its staff from breaking into press agency computers. __________________________________________________________________ CSI 2007 is the only conference that delivers a business-focused overview of enterprise security. It will convene 1,500+ delegates, 80 exhibitors and features 100+ sessions/seminars providing a roadmap for integrating policies and procedures with new tools and techniques. Register now for savings on conference fees and/or free exhibits admission. - www.csiannual.com
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