Spanish data agency proposes fine and censorship for El Salto

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has proposed a 5,000 euro fine against the cooperative media outlet El Salto. Additionally, the agency has ordered the outlet to censor several investigative articles regarding the infiltration of police officers into political and social movements.

El Salto is the fourth media organization to face similar sanctions for these specific facts, following La Directa, Vilaweb, and Diari de Balears earlier this summer. Collectively, these sanctions exceed 30,000 euros.

While the AEPD does not dispute the accuracy or reliability of the reporting, it requires the removal of certain details, including specific images, initials of officials, and references to the training or backgrounds of the agents involved. Representatives from El Salto have characterized the move as a reprisal intended to discourage investigations into illegal police espionage and as a threat to freedom of the press and the right to information.