Ankara: 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.

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

"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 emphasized that source confidentiality is essential for investigative journalism about government activities.