The Freedom on the Net report has revealed a troubling trend regarding global internet freedom, indicating a decline for the 14th consecutive year. Myanmar and China are reported to have the lowest levels of internet freedom in the world, with both countries receiving the same abysmal score. The study, conducted by a pro-democracy research organization based in the United States, highlights that Kyrgyzstan experienced the most significant decline in internet freedom during 2024, primarily due to the government’s crackdown on online organization and its efforts to stifle digital media.
In Kyrgyzstan, the authorities shut down the investigative media outlet Kloop, which had exposed allegations of torture by an opposition leader while in custody. The report from Freedom House noted that protections for online human rights were weakened in 27 of the 72 countries examined.
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For the first time in ten years, Myanmar matched China in terms of its poor internet freedom score. The military junta ruling Myanmar has systematically suppressed dissent, instituting severe censorship and surveillance measures targeting online communication. Notably, in May, the government enacted new regulations blocking access to virtual private networks (VPNs), which are often utilized to circumvent stringent internet controls.
In China, the country’s low ranking is largely attributed to its extensive internet censorship regime, commonly referred to as the “great firewall.” This system is designed to insulate the country from outside influences and to prevent access to content deemed threatening to the ruling Communist Party. In response to the report, Chinese authorities claimed that their citizens enjoy various rights and freedoms as defined by law, dismissing the report as unfounded and motivated by ulterior motives.
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The report also pointed out other nations facing significant downgrades, such as Azerbaijan, which is set to host the upcoming United Nations climate summit. The Azerbaijani government has been accused of imprisoning individuals for social media posts. Iraq is highlighted for the assassination of a prominent activist following protests ignited by a Facebook post.
Freedom House revealed that in about 75% of the countries surveyed, internet users faced arrest for expressing nonviolent opinions, often resulting in excessively harsh prison sentences exceeding ten years. Conversely, Iceland maintained its position as the nation with the freest online environment, followed closely by Estonia, Canada, Chile, and Costa Rica. Zambia exhibited the most considerable improvement in its score, showcasing an expanding space for online activism.
For the first time in its history, the Freedom on the Net report assessed the online conditions in Chile and the Netherlands, both of which displayed robust protections for human rights on the internet.
In the context of the United States, the report raised concerns about the lack of protective measures against government surveillance, ranking the country at 76 out of 100 regarding online human rights protections. The report highlighted actions taken by at least 19 states against the use of artificial intelligence in electoral campaigns, reflecting heightened scrutiny as several elections, including the U.S. presidential election scheduled for November 5, approached.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the report noted that the internet has undergone significant transformations due to electoral activities. Instances of technical censorship have hindered many opposition parties from effectively engaging with their supporters and restricted access to independent reporting about the electoral process. Consequently, over a billion voters have been compelled to navigate a censored and unreliable information environment when making critical decisions regarding their futures.
The findings from the Freedom on the Net report underscore a global crisis in internet freedom, drawing attention to the dangers posed by oppressive regimes and the challenges faced by advocates for digital rights.
