A recent study by Freedom House found that Myanmar and China share the worst record on internet freedom globally. This marks the first time in a decade that any country has matched China’s low score in the Freedom on the Net report. Myanmar, which has seen a decline in internet freedom since the military seized power in 2021, has implemented harsh measures to censor and surveil online speech, including blocking access to virtual private networks (VPNs) that residents use to bypass internet controls.
The report indicates that internet freedom has been on the decline globally for the 14th consecutive year, with more countries experiencing declines than improvements. One of the countries that showed the biggest drop in the survey was Kyrgyzstan, where authorities shut down the website Kloop, which had reported on allegations of torture in custody. Azerbaijan was also downgraded for detaining individuals over social media posts, while Iraq saw a decrease in internet freedom following the killing of a prominent activist who had posted on Facebook encouraging protests.
On a more positive note, Zambia was highlighted as a country that saw significant gains in internet freedom, with a growing space for online activism. The country was praised for fostering an environment that encourages online expression and participation. In terms of the rankings, Iceland was listed as the most free country online, followed by Estonia, Canada, Chile, and Costa Rica. The United States maintained its position at 76 on a 100-point scale, with Freedom House emphasizing ongoing concerns about government surveillance and the misuse of artificial intelligence in election campaigns.
China, known for its restrictive internet policies and the development of the “great firewall,” continues to heavily censor online content that poses a threat to the ruling Communist Party. The country’s strict regulations on internet use have resulted in limited access to information and expression for its citizens. Myanmar, another country with a poor record on internet freedom, has similarly cracked down on dissent through systematic censorship and surveillance of online speech. The recent measures to block VPNs in Myanmar further restrict access to information and limit online freedoms for its residents.
The increased censorship and surveillance of online speech in countries like Myanmar and China reflect a concerning trend of declining internet freedom globally. The crackdown on dissent and the targeting of individuals for expressing their views on social media pose significant threats to freedom of expression and access to information. As more countries experience declines in internet freedom, it is crucial for advocates and policymakers to push for policies that protect and promote freedom of expression and online activism. The ongoing efforts to monitor and assess internet freedom in various countries can help raise awareness and guide interventions to ensure that individuals can freely express themselves and participate in online activities without fear of censorship or surveillance.
