For the 14th year in a row, internet freedom around the world has continued to decline. This worrying trend was revealed in the latest Freedom on the Net (FOTN) 2024 report, which monitors the state of internet rights and freedoms in 72 countries. In this year's report, protections for online human rights worsened in 27 countries, while 18 nations showed improvement. This reveals a global shift toward increasing censorship, manipulation, and control of online spaces by governments.
Countries with the Biggest Changes
Kyrgyzstan saw the sharpest drop in internet freedom in 2024. President Sadyr Japarov’s government intensified efforts to silence independent digital media and prevent online organizing. Meanwhile, China continues to be one of the world’s worst offenders when it comes to internet freedom. It shares this unfortunate distinction with Myanmar, where a military regime has imposed harsh restrictions, especially on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which many people use to bypass censorship.
At the other end of the spectrum, Iceland remained the world’s freest online environment, while Zambia saw the biggest improvement in its online freedom score. New countries added to the report this year, Chile and the Netherlands, both showcased strong protections for human rights online.
Attacks on Free Expression
The report revealed disturbing trends in how free speech is being suppressed online. In 75% of the countries covered, people were arrested simply for expressing their opinions online, often facing harsh prison sentences that could exceed 10 years. Physical violence against internet users has also escalated, with people being attacked or even killed in retaliation for their online activities. This happened in at least 43 countries, a record high for such incidents.
In countries experiencing armed conflict, internet shutdowns and punishment for online speech have made it even more dangerous for people trying to communicate or share information. These shutdowns not only cut people off from each other but also prevent them from accessing important news and resources during times of crisis.
Manipulation During Elections
Another key finding of the report was the use of censorship and content manipulation to interfere with elections. In 25 out of the 41 countries that held or prepared for elections, voters had to navigate a heavily censored online environment. Governments in these countries restricted access to independent reporting and manipulated online information to benefit ruling parties. This censorship made it harder for voters to make informed choices, undermining the democratic process.
In at least 21 countries, pro-government commentators flooded the internet with false information, spreading doubt about the integrity of election results and creating long-term distrust in democratic institutions. Meanwhile, social media platforms became less transparent, making it harder for independent researchers and journalists to uncover the truth about election-related manipulation.
Efforts to Combat Misinformation
On the positive side, more than half of the countries covered by the report took steps to fight misinformation, particularly around elections. Governments introduced new rules for online content, supported fact-checking initiatives, and promoted digital literacy. Some even passed guidelines to limit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns.
However, the success of these efforts depended on how transparent and democratic the governments were. Countries like South Africa, Taiwan, and those in the European Union set good examples by addressing online misinformation while still protecting free expression.
The Importance of a Free Internet
The FOTN 2024 report highlights the urgent need for a renewed commitment to internet freedom. The space for free speech online is shrinking, and people’s ability to access reliable information is being threatened by increasing censorship and manipulation. This lack of access to a diverse range of viewpoints is making it harder for people to engage with their communities, hold their governments accountable, and advocate for their rights.
In conclusion, protecting internet freedom is crucial for maintaining democracy and human rights in the digital age. Governments, organizations, and individuals need to work together to create a trustworthy online environment that values free speech, transparency, and the right to access information. Only then can we reverse this worrying trend and ensure a free and open internet for everyone.
