Invading privacy of quarantined individuals does not constitute public interest: CJE

The Centre for Journalism and Education (CJE) yesterday said it was unethical for camera crews to forcefully film families of Sri Lanka Navy personnel being quarantined by the Department of Health and urged all media institutions and personnel to respect the privacy of individuals suspected of having contracted COVID-19 when reporting on the pandemic.

Due to a number of Navy personnel recently having tested positive for having contracted COVID-19 while being deployed in efforts to contain the virus, the Department of Health, in keeping with international guidelines, has ordered quarantined the families of those personnel who were able to visit home. 

Unfortunately, certain media personnel have accompanied public health inspectors visiting these homes to order their quarantine and filmed the families without their consent. Some media outlets have also engaged in reporting false and/or misleading information regarding these personnel and their families, it said in a statement yesterday. 

Journalism can be a balancing act when it comes to reporting on certain issues such as crime and corruption or on important public figures. However this is not such an instance and by forcing themselves into the homes of families suspected to have contracted COVID-19, they are only infringing upon the rights of these innocent people. “This is not an issue of public interest. This is pure tabloids,” CJE said.

“Furthermore, these are families of individuals fighting the pandemic on the frontlines, risking their lives even without adequate protection to keep the rest of the country safe. These families are already going through a lot and such behaviour on the part of these journalists shows callous disregard for all their service. In turn, the harassment of Navy personnel’s families can distract and reduce the efficacy of all frontline personnel, putting the entire country at further risk,” CJE continued.

CJE had previously urged media institutions to respect the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health in the wake of an infodemic in reporting, which included respecting the privacy of individuals who have contracted or are suspected of having contracted COVID-19, and their families.

“Reporting during a pandemic is no easy task and many good journalists put themselves at risk to provide clear, concise and up-to-date information to the public. Others however, by resorting to tabloidism, are creating confusion, stigmatising groups of people, putting victims and their families at further risk, and distracting others from following the guidelines issued by the authorities.

“Journalists are granted certain special privileges by lieu of their profession. They are however not beyond the law. It is the duty of all of all journalists to be professional, consistent and ensure that reporting done is in the public interest.

“This is an opportunity for media to regain the public’s trust. But it will take the concerted effort of all of us to do so,” CJE added.