TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Attacks on journalists and the broader practice of journalism are increasing worldwide, according to the latest findings from UNESCO, as received by Tempo on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
UNESCO’s recent report on global trends in freedom of expression shows a 10 percent decline in press freedom since 2012—placing the current period alongside some of the most restrictive eras in modern history, including World War I, the lead-up to World War II, and the late Cold War years.
The report, drawing on V-Dem data, highlights a sharp rise in self-censorship among journalists, increasing by 69 percent between 2012 and the end of 2025. This suggests that the most pervasive form of censorship today is no longer imposed externally, but internalized within newsrooms.
Legal pressure has also intensified. Journalists and media organizations are increasingly facing lawsuits, anti-terror regulations, and financial laws that are used to restrict reporting. At the same time, online harassment—particularly targeting women journalists—has surged.
Research conducted by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) for UN Women, in partnership with UNESCO, found that 75 percent of women journalists have experienced online violence. More concerning, 42 percent reported that such attacks escalated into offline threats or physical abuse in 2025—more than double the 20 percent recorded in 2020.
Despite these trends, the report notes some progress. Nearly half of the 194 countries surveyed in 2025 now have legal frameworks supporting media operations, often accompanied by financial backing. In addition, 139 UN member states have adopted laws guaranteeing public access to information. Advances in digital tools and artificial intelligence have also enabled greater cross-border investigative journalism and collaboration.
UNESCO emphasized that protecting journalists and ensuring information integrity are essential to peace and security. At the World Press Freedom Conference in Lusaka, the organization is urging governments and civil society to reaffirm their support for independent journalism and the free flow of information. It argues that any policy related to peace, recovery, or security must include a commitment to credible media and information systems.
The agency also stressed the need for sustainable funding. Its analysis suggests that just 15 days of global military spending would be enough to finance public-interest journalism worldwide for an entire year.
“Newsrooms around the world are struggling to cover their costs and face an existential threat. Yet with social media and artificial intelligence spreading disinformation at unprecedented speed and scale, it has become the last line of defence for citizens against manipulation and division. Free, accurate information is a public good. I call on Member States and all our partners to invest in journalism as a lever of peace,” said Khaled El-Enany.
In recognition of journalists working under extreme conditions, this year’s UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was awarded to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, highlighting the risks faced by media professionals, particularly in conflict zones.
Read: Press Freedom Day: Southeast Asian Media Warn of Big Tech, AI Threats
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google New
Press Freedom Day: Southeast Asian Media Warn of Big Tech, AI Threats
4 jam lalu
A number of independent media outlets in Southeast Asia issued a joint statement on World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2026.
When AI Breaks the News: Trust Cannot Be automated
16 jam lalu
The future of information will involve AI but whether it serves democracy or corrodes it is still an open question.
US: Pentagon Tightens Press Restrictions Despite Ruling
39 hari lalu
Accredited journalists will now have to work from a facility outside the Pentagon building, albeit on the grounds.
Anti-Disinformation Bill to Target Social Media Only, Says Minister
47 hari lalu
Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas claims the Anti-Disinformation and Foreign Propaganda Bill targets social media, not press freedom.
Press Council Welcomes MK Ruling on Journalist Protection
20 Januari 2026
The Press Council welcomes the Constitutional Court ruling requiring press disputes to be handled by the council before legal action.
GNB Flags Rising Risks to Press Freedom in the Prabowo Era
13 Januari 2026
Journalists have faced violence, terror, and threats. Press freedom has come under scrutiny under Prabowo.
Fading Press Freedom
8 Januari 2026
Prabowo Subianto's government shows an allergy to media criticism. Press independence is increasingly under threat.
International Rights Group Urges Prabowo to Halt Minister's Lawsuit Against Tempo
12 November 2025
International Freedom of Expression (IFEX) argues that the lawsuit by Prabowo's Minister Amran against Tempo undermines democracy in Indonesia.
Indonesian Diaspora Decries Minister Amran's Lawsuit Against Tempo in Melbourne Rally
7 November 2025
Indonesian diaspora in Melbourne holds Kamisan Action to condemn Minister Amran Sulaiman's lawsuit against Tempo.
Civil Society Rallies in Support of Tempo as Minister Amran Sues the Media Company
6 November 2025
Several press alliances and journalists have held a solidarity action in support of Tempo and press freedom in Indonesia.
