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Media reporter on ramifications of Sony hack

The latest threat made by the Sony Pictures hackers
Hackers issue threat to Sony 03:41

As the scandal into the hacking of Sony Pictures Entertainment grows in the news media, the hackers themselves issued a dire warning Tuesday focusing on the upcoming Sony release "The Interview." The movie, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, follows talk show hosts on their CIA-backed mission to assassinate North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un.

North Korea is widely suspected of being being the Sony hack, although it denied the allegations, and has called the film an act of war. But the hackers, who call themselves the Guardians of Peace, sent an ominous message on Tuesday, seemingly threatening movie theaters that will screen the film when it opens next week.

"Soon all the world will see what an awful movie Sony Pictures Entertainment has made. The world will be full of fear. Remember the 11th of September 2001," read part of the statement.

David Folkenflik, media correspondent for National Public Radio, joined CBSN to discuss the latest on the Sony hack. Many media outlets, including CBS News, have reported on the content of leaked emails and other documents that have become a major embarrassment for the company.

Folkenflik said that today's developments could change how the media reports on the leak. "That collaboration becomes a lot more complicated ethically for the journalists involved," due to the serious nature of the threats, he said.

Sony Pictures Entertainment also hired David Boies, a high-profile attorney, as part of its response to the hack. Boise sent a letter to many media outlets asking them to stop reporting on contents of the emails and other leaked documents, or face legal action.

According to Folkenflik, the media is able to report on the documents, "as long as media companies are not breaking the law to get the information."

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