PRESS Act

The PRESS Act protects journalists' sources and unpublished materials from government subpoenas. It requires courts to approve any request for a journalist's protected information (like source identities or notes) only if the government proves it is necessary to prevent terrorism or imminent violence threatening life or safety. Service providers (like phone companies or social media platforms) must also obtain court approval before handing over journalists' personal accounts or devices. The law explicitly excludes civil defamation cases and does not shield journalists who are suspects in criminal investigations or terrorism-related cases.