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📣 NEW: #FreedomOnTheNet 2026 is now LIVE!
Global internet freedom declined for the 16th consecutive year, as governments erected new barriers to how people access information and express themselves online. Expanding internet shutdowns, growing digital isolation, and new access are reshaping the global internet.
Internet freedom deteriorated in 16 of the 38 countries assessed, while just 8 registered improvements. Iran experienced the year's largest decline, joining China and Myanmar among the world's worst environments for internet freedom. Bangladesh recorded the strongest improvement for the second consecutive year, while Estonia ranked as the freest online environment.
Authoritarian governments accelerated efforts to isolate their populations from the global internet. Iranian authorities imposed the longest nationwide internet shutdown ever recorded by Freedom on the Net, cutting off most of the population for approximately 88 days. In Russia, authorities expanded internet shutdowns and consolidated control over internet service providers, advancing efforts to restrict access to the global internet.
New age-verification requirements are transforming how people access online spaces. As governments increasingly mandate age checks for social media and other online content, these measures are creating new risks to privacy, security, and online anonymity. Repressive governments have also sought to exploit such requirements to expand surveillance.
Governments are grappling with the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. New measures to address AI-generated impersonation, harassment, and other online harms have advanced, but some have raised concerns about government overreach and restrictions on free expression.
Political change has also created opportunities for progress. Bangladesh and the Gambia demonstrated how the removal of repressive leaders and sustained democratic reforms can help reverse restrictions on internet freedom, even as significant challenges remain.
As the internet undergoes seismic shifts, protecting free expression, privacy, and access to information must remain central to shaping its future.
Explore the findings, country assessments, and recommendations from #FreedomOnTheNet 2026: freedomhouse.org/report/freedom…
Global internet freedom declined for the 16th consecutive year, as governments erected new barriers to how people access information and express themselves online. Expanding internet shutdowns, growing digital isolation, and new access are reshaping the global internet.
Internet freedom deteriorated in 16 of the 38 countries assessed, while just 8 registered improvements. Iran experienced the year's largest decline, joining China and Myanmar among the world's worst environments for internet freedom. Bangladesh recorded the strongest improvement for the second consecutive year, while Estonia ranked as the freest online environment.
Authoritarian governments accelerated efforts to isolate their populations from the global internet. Iranian authorities imposed the longest nationwide internet shutdown ever recorded by Freedom on the Net, cutting off most of the population for approximately 88 days. In Russia, authorities expanded internet shutdowns and consolidated control over internet service providers, advancing efforts to restrict access to the global internet.
New age-verification requirements are transforming how people access online spaces. As governments increasingly mandate age checks for social media and other online content, these measures are creating new risks to privacy, security, and online anonymity. Repressive governments have also sought to exploit such requirements to expand surveillance.
Governments are grappling with the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. New measures to address AI-generated impersonation, harassment, and other online harms have advanced, but some have raised concerns about government overreach and restrictions on free expression.
Political change has also created opportunities for progress. Bangladesh and the Gambia demonstrated how the removal of repressive leaders and sustained democratic reforms can help reverse restrictions on internet freedom, even as significant challenges remain.
As the internet undergoes seismic shifts, protecting free expression, privacy, and access to information must remain central to shaping its future.
Explore the findings, country assessments, and recommendations from #FreedomOnTheNet 2026: freedomhouse.org/report/freedom…
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The conclusion of the third round of negotiations in #Venezuela presents an important opportunity to deliver on critical commitments to the Venezuelan people, including the release of all political prisoners, stronger guarantees of judicial independence, protection of fundamental freedoms, and safeguarding political participation.
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In his latest CEO's Corner, Freedom House CEO @jamiemfly reflects on our work to advance freedom worldwide, including new partnerships with human rights advocates, efforts to secure the release of political prisoners, and engagement with democratic allies.
Read his October xvqNGS1N
Read his October xvqNGS1N
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We are deeply concerned by reports of temporary arbitrary detentions in Caracas, Venezuela, following yesterday's peaceful protests. Expressing one's views and engaging in peaceful demonstrations are fundamental rights, not crimes.
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Next week in DC: Join Freedom House and our partners from the October 30 Coalition at the Lincoln Memorial for a public ceremony honoring political prisoners worldwide and calling for their release.
October 30 | 5–7 PM ET
Register: freedomhouse.org/event/roll-cal…
#FreeThemAll
October 30 | 5–7 PM ET
Register: freedomhouse.org/event/roll-cal…
#FreeThemAll
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As governments increasingly restrict internet access and expand digital surveillance, protecting human rights online requires action.
In #FreedomOnTheNet 2026, Freedom House outlines policy recommendations to counter authoritarian internet restrictions and safeguard privacy.
Read more: freedomhouse.org/report/freedom…
In #FreedomOnTheNet 2026, Freedom House outlines policy recommendations to counter authoritarian internet restrictions and safeguard privacy.
Read more: freedomhouse.org/report/freedom…
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Missed the launch of #FreedomOnTheNet 2026? Watch the full event recording!
Hear from the report's authors and expert guests as they explore the seismic shifts reshaping the global internet, from authoritarian efforts to isolate populations online to emerging challenges ation and AI.
Catch up on the discussion and learn what can be done to protect human rights in the digital age.
🎥 Watch here: youtu.be/0jKG21dhf3c?si…
Hear from the report's authors and expert guests as they explore the seismic shifts reshaping the global internet, from authoritarian efforts to isolate populations online to emerging challenges ation and AI.
Catch up on the discussion and learn what can be done to protect human rights in the digital age.
🎥 Watch here: youtu.be/0jKG21dhf3c?si…
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For activists fleeing persecution, crossing a border doesn't always mean finding safety.
Half of the 126 physical incidents of transnational repression recorded by Freedom House in 2025 occurred in Southeast Asia.
Our latest #TNRWatch examines recent cases and calls for action: freedomhouse.org/article/tnr-wa…
Half of the 126 physical incidents of transnational repression recorded by Freedom House in 2025 occurred in Southeast Asia.
Our latest #TNRWatch examines recent cases and calls for action: freedomhouse.org/article/tnr-wa…
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Freedom House retweeted
@freedomhouse's latest #FreedomOnTheNet report is out! The findings are a reminder of why protecting free expression, privacy, and access to information online matters. Read the report: tinyurl.com/4n7vrkkr
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Behind every political prisoner is a story that deserves to be heard.
On October 30, join Freedom House and the October 30 Coalition, in Washington, DC at the Lincoln Memorial for a public ceremony marking the International Day of Political Prisoners.
Together, we'll read the imprisoned around the world, honor those who have regained their freedom, and remember those who died in detention.
Learn more: freedomhouse.org/event/roll-cal…
On October 30, join Freedom House and the October 30 Coalition, in Washington, DC at the Lincoln Memorial for a public ceremony marking the International Day of Political Prisoners.
Together, we'll read the imprisoned around the world, honor those who have regained their freedom, and remember those who died in detention.
Learn more: freedomhouse.org/event/roll-cal…
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📢 We're hiring! Freedom House is seeking a Deputy Director of Policy & Advocacy to advance bipartisan advocacy for democracy and human rights, with a focus on international religious freedom.
Learn more and apply: phe.tbe.taleo.net/phe01/ats/care…
Learn more and apply: phe.tbe.taleo.net/phe01/ats/care…
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Freedom House appreciated the opportunity to participate in Monday's "Cuba Libre" side event and press conference, organized by @USUN's @USAmbUN Mike Waltz, to highlight the Cuban regime's decades of repression against its own people. The intensified online attacks and smear campaigns launched against panelists since the event only reinforce the importance of their testimony. We reject these intimidation tactics and stand firmly with the Cuban people.
"Year after year the Cuban regime comes to the GA and propagates a lie… to justify its oppression of the Cuban people." @USAmbUN Mike Waltz & @FreedomHouse CEO Jamie Fly briefed on "Holding the Cuban Regime Accountable for its Human Rights Abuses."
🔗: state.gov/briefings-fore…
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Read the latest Spotlight 🔆 on Freedom:
💻 New Report: Freedom on the Net 2026
🌐 TNR Watch: Transnational Repression in Southeast Asia
🤝 Vilnius Freedom Summit: Standing Together for Democracy
More: bit.ly/4yx2OYR
Subscribe: bit.ly/Subscribe_FHne…
💻 New Report: Freedom on the Net 2026
🌐 TNR Watch: Transnational Repression in Southeast Asia
🤝 Vilnius Freedom Summit: Standing Together for Democracy
More: bit.ly/4yx2OYR
Subscribe: bit.ly/Subscribe_FHne…
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Southeast Asia remains a hotspot for transnational repression, accounting for half of the 126 physical incidents recorded by Freedom House in 2025.
Recent cases, including the disappearance of a Laotian asylum seeker in Thailand and the forced return of Vietnamese activists from e dangers facing dissidents in exile.
Our latest #TNRWatch examines these cases and calls for stronger international action to protect those targeted.
Read more: freedomhouse.org/article/tnr-wa…
Recent cases, including the disappearance of a Laotian asylum seeker in Thailand and the forced return of Vietnamese activists from e dangers facing dissidents in exile.
Our latest #TNRWatch examines these cases and calls for stronger international action to protect those targeted.
Read more: freedomhouse.org/article/tnr-wa…
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Starting in 1 hour: Join Freedom House for the virtual launch of Freedom on the Net 2026: Seismic Shifts on the Global Internet.
You still have time to register, click here for more info: freedomhouse.org/event/report-l…
You still have time to register, click here for more info: freedomhouse.org/event/report-l…
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Last week in Vilnius, Freedom House CEO @jamiemfly and Freedom House Board Members and staff met with journalists from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (@RFERL)’s Belarus Service, Radio Svaboda (@svaboda), whose Belarusian language services continue reporting despite censorship m House helped relocate RFE/RL journalists when the Minsk office was forced to close, supporting their ability to deliver independent news to audiences in Belarus.
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📣 #FreedomOnTheNet 2026 launches TOMORROW!
How are internet shutdowns, censorship, and emerging technologies reshaping digital rights globally?
Be among the first to explore the findings from Freedom House's latest assessment of internet freedom worldwide.
📩 Sign up for our eport delivered straight to your inbox: freedomhouse.org/manage-subscri…
How are internet shutdowns, censorship, and emerging technologies reshaping digital rights globally?
Be among the first to explore the findings from Freedom House's latest assessment of internet freedom worldwide.
📩 Sign up for our eport delivered straight to your inbox: freedomhouse.org/manage-subscri…
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In his latest CEO's Corner, Freedom House CEO Jamie Fly reflects on our work to advance freedom worldwide, including new partnerships with human rights advocates, efforts to secure the release of political prisoners, and engagement with democratic leaders and allies around the r update: freedomhouse.org/article/update…
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No one should be imprisoned for speaking freely, standing up for their beliefs, or exercising their fundamental rights.
Ahead of the International Day of Political Prisoners on October 30, Freedom House joins the October 30 Coalition in calling for sustained international action to secure the release of political prisoners worldwide and hold their persecutors accountable.
We must continue to raise their names, stand with their families, and demand their freedom.
Read our joint statement: freedomhouse.org/article/joint-…
#FreeThemAll
Ahead of the International Day of Political Prisoners on October 30, Freedom House joins the October 30 Coalition in calling for sustained international action to secure the release of political prisoners worldwide and hold their persecutors accountable.
We must continue to raise their names, stand with their families, and demand their freedom.
Read our joint statement: freedomhouse.org/article/joint-…
#FreeThemAll
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Freedom House's #FreedomOnTheNet does more than document threats to internet freedom. It helps inform the policies and practices needed to protect it.
By engaging with policymakers and the private sector, we work to turn our research into meaningful action to safeguard free online.
Hear from report author @kianvest ahead of tomorrow's launch.
By engaging with policymakers and the private sector, we work to turn our research into meaningful action to safeguard free online.
Hear from report author @kianvest ahead of tomorrow's launch.
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