WASHINGTON: Internet freedom has declined in the United States and Germany, reflecting a broader global trend of tightening online restrictions, according to Freedom House’s annual survey released Thursday. The report shows that global internet freedom fell for the 15th consecutive year, with both democracies and authoritarian states imposing new limitations on online expression.
In the United States, internet freedom scored a record low of 73 out of 100, down three points from the previous year. The report highlighted actions by the Trump administration, including the detention of non-US citizens over their online statements and efforts to deport individuals for content related to Israel, which have faced legal challenges.
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Germany also experienced a three-point decline to 74, driven by growing self-censorship and strict enforcement of hate speech and defamation laws. The report cited an example of a far-right website editor receiving a suspended sentence for a manipulated social media post criticizing a politician, underscoring the country’s tension between free speech and historical safeguards.
The survey also noted severe declines in Kenya, which temporarily shut down the internet amid nationwide protests, as well as in Venezuela and Georgia. Conversely, Bangladesh saw improvements after a new government eased restrictions following a student-led revolt. Two countries were downgraded in status: Serbia moved from “free” to “partly free,” and Nicaragua from “partly free” to “not free.”
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Freedom House, founded during World War II to promote democracy, operates independently despite historically receiving US government funding. The organization has faced financial pressures after cuts under the Trump administration, which also affected its staffing and operations.