> It's a real world example of how these security features aren't just for "paranoid people" but serve a legit purpose for people who handle sensitive info.
Because they're in the US things might be easier from a legal standpoint for the journalist, but they also have precedent on forcing journalist to expose their sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branzburg_v._Hayes
In other parts of the world this applies https://xkcd.com/538/ when you don't provide the means to access your phone to the authorities.
It just depends on how much a government wants the data that is stored there.
Which countries actually grant reporters immunity from having to reveal information related to criminal investigations (where others would be compelled to, and without criminal penalties)? Such immunity may be desirable (at least in some circumstances), but I am not aware of any jurisdiction that actually grants it.