Stalking Allegations as Press‑Deterrent

Public officials and agency spokespeople increasingly label routine journalistic outreach as 'stalking' or 'intimidation' to delegitimize reporting and discourage contact. The tactic pairs data takedowns with reputational claims, making standard fairness practices (asking for comment) into potential political liabilities for reporters. — If adopted broadly, this modus operandi will weaken investigative accountability by turning ordinary journalistic verification into an act that can be publicly punished, altering news‑government power dynamics.