Freedom House

📣 NEW: #FreedomOnTheNet 2024 is now LIVE! Global internet freedom declined for the 14th consecutive year as voters were forced to make major decisions about their future while navigating a censored, distorted, and unreliable information space. https://lnkd.in/gvUrnjvM Protections for human rights online diminished in 27 of the 72 countries covered by FOTN24, and just 18 earned score improvements. Myanmar and China tied as the world’s worst environment for internet freedom, while Iceland maintained its status as the freest. People were physically attacked or killed in retaliation for their online activities in a record high of at least 43 countries. Users also faced arrest for nonviolent expression in three-quarters of the countries covered by FOTN, with some receiving prison sentences of 10+ years. Censorship and content manipulation were combined to sway elections. Voters in at least 25 of the 41 FOTN countries that held or prepared for nationwide elections contended with a censored information space, while in at least 21 countries progovernment commentators manipulated online information to stoke doubt in election integrity and democratic institutions broadly. More than half of these 41 countries took steps to safeguard information integrity, with mixed results. Examples from South Africa, Taiwan, and the EU—which all prioritized transparency, civil society expertise, democratic oversight, and international norms—served as the most promising models. Internet freedom is a pillar of modern democracy. Our research indicates that online censorship and manipulation are growing ever more extreme, requiring a renewed and sustained commitment to internet freedom lest we hasten democracy’s global decline. Explore more from #FreedomOnTheNet 2024: https://lnkd.in/gvUrnjvM

Ahead of voting in Russia and Iran—already among the worst-scoring countries in #FreedomOnTheNet—authorities further restricted electoral speech. Why? It's easier to claim "victory" when your opposition is scared, silenced, or incarcerated. More: https://lnkd.in/gvUrnjvM

Regimes that faced strong electoral challengers resorted to the most brazen forms of censorship. Such was the case in Pakistan and Venezuela, where incumbents enacted an array of tactics to subvert their citizens' democratic desires. #FreedomOnTheNet's Allie Funk offers her insight ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gvUrnjvM

I am honored and humbled to be this year's #BridgeAward recipient. The Onero Institute is a great organization run by current and former international affairs students. They are our future foreign policy leaders. Hope you can join and support this magnificent organization and the next generation of global leaders. More information and RSVP for the #ThirdAnnualOneroGala below.

Thank you to our LinkedIn community for helping us reach 50,000 followers! Defending democracy is a team sport, and we deeply appreciate your support and engagement as we work to build a world where all are free.

“Significant risks to peaceful and orderly elections and the transfer of power remain…[and] public leaders and the media have a crucial role to play in protecting and defending America’s elections in the weeks and months ahead.” ✍️ FH’s Mark de la Iglesia https://lnkd.in/gyYSmyTQ

"The US Department of Commerce's new proposed rules are a step forward in protecting human rights & demonstrating US leadership in ensuring exports are not misused ... We urge the Department to promulgate these rules without delay." ✍️ FH's Jennifer Brody in Tech Policy Press https://lnkd.in/gyrE2d3u

How can public leaders and media protect US elections in the weeks to come? 🏛️ Promote and uphold the rule of law 🤬 Avoid incitement and violence 🗳️ Affirm the integrity of elections 💪 Stand up to irresponsible behavior More from FH's Mark de la Iglesia: https://lnkd.in/gyYSmyTQ

Antidemocratic govts often leveraged progovernment commentators to make rigged elections look legitimate. In Azerbaijan, the regime offered free flights and hotels for content creators who praised the integrity of Aliyev's sham election. #FreedomOnTheNet https://lnkd.in/gvUrnjvM

This year, our #FreedomOnTheNet report analyzed internet freedom across 72 countries—up from 70 in 2023. Have you been paying close enough attention to this year’s report launch to know what two countries were added? Make your guess below and check your answer by visiting our website: https://lnkd.in/gvUrnjvM