An Act relative to the free flow of information

This Massachusetts bill, the Free Flow of Information Act, protects journalists and their sources by prohibiting government entities from compelling disclosure of "protected information" (such as confidential sources or journalistic records) without a court order. It requires courts to find by a preponderance of evidence that disclosure is necessary to prevent terrorism or imminent violence before allowing such disclosure. The law also shields journalists' personal accounts and devices on covered service providers (like social media platforms) from compelled disclosure, mandating notice to the journalist and narrow tailoring of any court-ordered information. This law aims to safeguard journalistic integrity by limiting government access to sensitive materials while maintaining strict court oversight.