Myanmar Matches China for Worst Internet Freedom

The latest report by Freedom House reveals that Myanmar has tied with China for the worst internet freedom globally, both scoring 9 out of 100, marking the first time another country has matched China's low score in a decade. Myanmar's decline is attributed to the military junta's severe censorship and surveillance measures since the 2021 coup, including blocking virtual private networks (VPNs). Globally, internet freedom has decreased for the 14th consecutive year, with Kyrgyzstan experiencing the sharpest decline due to government crackdowns on digital media. Other notable declines were observed in Bangladesh, where internet connectivity was restricted during opposition activities, and Azerbaijan, where social media dissent led to detentions. Iceland was ranked as having the most free online environment, followed by Estonia and Canada. The report highlights a global trend of diminishing digital rights, affecting 27 of the 72 countries surveyed.