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Jan. 13, 2022

VIENNA, 13 January 2022 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, today expressed concern about the recent hacking and illegal removal of websites belonging to media outlets of Portugal’s leading media group Grupo Impresa.

Expresso newspaper and SIC TV station, both owned by Grupo Impresa, Portugal’s largest media group, were offline on 2 and 3 January, after being targeted in a cyberattack. The alleged hackers also spread disinformation via phishing e-mails to newspaper subscribers and via messages from the newspaper’s verified Twitter account.

“Hacking websites and blocking access to media content is a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression,” said Ribeiro. “Spreading false information illegally through these channels is particularly worrisome. There is a clear intent to use the reach of media to cause chaos. News media play an important role in keeping society informed on issues of public interest; such attacks tarnish the trusted relationship between the media and its audience,” Ribeiro added.

The incident is being investigated by national law enforcement and Portugal’s National Cybersecurity Center. “I welcome this investigation. The authorities, and the media group itself, must do all they can to enhance digital security for online media to help prevent any future disruptions of the free flow of information,” Ribeiro said. “Meanwhile, investing in media literacy is necessary too. The hacking of news sites and use of news media’s network to spread disinformation clearly demonstrates that society must be resilient to disinformation in all its forms.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments.