Global Internet Freedom

Global Internet Freedom

News: A new report by Freedom House reveals that global Internet freedom has been on the decline for the 13th consecutive year.

Background:
• The report, titled ‘Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence,’ highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence by governments for censorship and the spread of disinformation.

Key Findings:
• Iran witnessed a sharp increase in digital repression.
• China ranked as the world’s worst environment for Internet freedom for the ninth consecutive year, followed by Myanmar.
• A record 55 countries this year imposed legal consequences for online expression.
• Elections were identified as a trigger for digital repression.

India specific findings:
• India scored 50 on a scale of 1 to 100, with higher scores representing greater digital freedom, while Iceland received the highest score of 94, indicating the best climate of Internet freedom.
• The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules require large social media platforms to use AI-based moderation tools for various types of content.
• The report expressed concerns about the impact of India’s expanding censorship regime on democracy.
• India was evaluated on various censorship methods, including Internet connectivity restrictions, blocks on social media platforms, website blocking, and the forced removal of content.