A federal judge has ordered the US government to stop searching devices seized from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. The FBI raided her home last week as part of a leak investigation involving a Pentagon contractor, but Natanson isn't personally under investigation.

The Washington Post argued the seizure violated First Amendment protections and included materials protected by attorney-client privilege. Six devices were taken, including laptops, a hard drive, and Natanson’s encrypted Signal messaging platform containing communications with over 1,100 sources.

Judge William Porter granted a temporary standstill, preventing authorities from reviewing any seized data until further court orders. The government must now file a reply by January 28, with oral arguments scheduled for February 6. The Post says the seizure has disrupted reporting on unrelated stories.

Legal experts say this case tests the balance between national security investigations and press freedoms. If the court eventually rules in favor of the Post, it could set a precedent limiting future device seizures targeting journalists’ work product.