Legal Protection for Journalists Against Cyber Threats from the Perspective of the Press Law and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law

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Gilbran Rahardian

Krista Yitawati

Universitas Merdeka Madiun

Anik Tri Haryani

Universitas Merdeka Madiun

Abstract

Introduction to the Problem: The development of information and communication technology has brought significant changes to journalistic practices in Indonesia, particularly through the utilization of digital media and cyberspace in press activities. On the other hand, such developments have also given rise to various cyber threats against journalists, including account hacking, digital intimidation, doxing, dissemination of personal data, and criminalization through electronic media. These conditions create legal issues concerning the protection of press freedom and the digital security of journalists in carrying out their journalistic functions.
Purpose/Study Objectives: This study aims to analyze the forms of legal protection afforded to journalists against cyber threats based on Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press and Law Number 1 of 2024 concerning the Second Amendment to Law Number 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE Law), as well as to examine the legal certainty of journalist protection within the digital sphere.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employs a normative legal research method using statutory, conceptual, and case approaches. The legal materials consist of primary, secondary, and tertiary legal sources obtained through library research, which are subsequently analyzed qualitatively through methods of legal interpretation.
Findings: The results of the study indicate that the Press Law and the ITE Law have normatively provided legal protection for journalists, both through guarantees of press freedom and regulations concerning cybercrime. However, such protection has not yet fully ensured legal certainty, as there remain overlapping regulations and the application of multi-interpretative provisions within the ITE Law that have the potential to criminalize journalists. Therefore, regulatory harmonization and the strengthening of digital security protection for journalists are necessary in order to safeguard press freedom and the protection of human rights in the digital era.

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Title Legal Protection for Journalists Against Cyber Threats from the Perspective of the Press Law and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law
Issue: Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): JURNAL YUSTISIA MERDEKA
Section Articles
Published: Jun 2, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33319/yume.v12i1.374
Keywords: Legal protection, journalists, cyber threats, press freedom, ITE Law
Author
  • Gilbran Rahardian
  • Krista Yitawati
    Universitas Merdeka Madiun
  • Anik Tri Haryani
    Universitas Merdeka Madiun
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How to Cite
Gilbran Rahardian, Yitawati, K. ., & Haryani, A. T. . (2026). Legal Protection for Journalists Against Cyber Threats from the Perspective of the Press Law and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law. YUSTISIA MERDEKA : Jurnal Ilmiah Hukum, 12(1), 122–133. https://doi.org/10.33319/yume.v12i1.374
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