Every day we have less freedom on the Internet

Online freedom continues to decline according to the latest Freedom House report, and this is happening for the thirteenth consecutive year. Which is more than worrying.

Online freedom is a fundamental human right that allows people to express themselves freely, access information and participate in civil society. However, in recent years, online freedom has been in decline around the world, undoubtedly also with the help of Artificial Intelligence,

The Freedom House report   “Freedom on the Net 2023”   confirms this trend. The report analyzes online freedom in 65 countries, which represent 87% of internet users worldwide. The report finds that online freedom decreased in 26 countries, remained unchanged in 25 countries and increased in 14 countries

The Freedom House report identifies the following major trends in the decline of online freedom:

• Growth of authoritarian regimes: The number of authoritarian regimes in the world is increasing. These regimes often restrict online freedom to control political speech and repress dissent.

• Using technology for surveillance: Governments are using technology to monitor their citizens online. This includes the use of mass surveillance tools, such as facial recognition and data analysis.

• Content censorship: Governments are increasingly censoring online content. This includes blocking websites, removing content, and intimidating users.

In the photo you can see (in red) where more controls are exercised on the Internet

And this decline in online freedom has a negative impact on human rights, democracy and economic development.

• Human rights: Restrictions on freedom of expression, access to information and participation in civil society violate fundamental human rights.

• Democracy: Repression of dissent and censorship of political speech undermine democracy.

• Economic development: Online freedom is essential for economic development, as it allows people to access information, form networks and create new businesses.

Ordinary citizens can do very little to protect freedom on the Internet, but we can do something, such as:

• Support organizations that defend online freedom: There are many organizations that work to promote online freedom. Supporting them is a way to help protect this fundamental right.

• Educate and communicate about the importance of freedom on the Internet: It is important that people understand the importance of freedom on the Internet. Educating the public about this issue can help build support for its protection.

• Ask our rulers to respect freedom on the Internet: Governments must respect freedom on the Internet. It is important to ask governments to commit to protecting this fundamental right.

The Freedom House report is a warning about the decline of online freedom. Or what is the same, of our personal freedom. It is very important that we are sensitized on the issue, and that we support the taking of measures to protect this fundamental right, which is essential for democracy, human rights and economic development.

The Report can be viewed at: https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-net

and download the Full Report

According to the report, China and Burma are the countries that have the strictest censorship on the Internet, and this is a shameful title that China has been holding for over 9 years.

The Freedom House report provides a detailed analysis of the factors contributing to the decline of online freedom. The report also identifies a number of worrying trends, such as the rise of authoritarian regimes and the use of technology for surveillance.

And we must remember that those who do not defend their rights end up losing them.