ISTANBUL

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said a US Justice Department's decision to revoke safeguards against seizing reporters' records on Friday is a 'blow' to media freedom.

New guidelines allow federal authorities to access journalists' phone records and demand testimony in leak investigations, indicated by Attorney General Pam Bondi in an internal memo the New York Times obtained.

"This move cripples reporters' ability to protect their sources, which is essential, particularly when covering matters of public interest," said Katherine Jacobsen, the New York-based watchdog's US, Canadian and Caribbean program coordinator.

The organization said source confidentiality is essential for investigative journalism about government activities.