China is one of the censored nations which is having the worst Internet Freedom for their population. In an era, that is defined by interconnectedness and the democratization of information, the notion of internet freedom stands as a beacon of hope for open dialogue, free expression, and unrestricted access to knowledge.
What is Internet Freedom?
It is how accessible the internet is and it can be defined by three criteria:
- Obstacles to Access- Barriers that prevent an individual from accessing knowledge and resources.
- Limits on Content- The number of restrictions applied on content shared or provided on the internet.
- Violations of User Rights- Denial of right to information.
List of Top 10 Censored Countries with Worst Internet Freedom
|
S. No. |
Country Name |
Internet Freedom Score |
|---|---|---|
|
10 |
Pakistan |
26 |
|
9 |
Belarus |
25 |
|
8 |
Saudi Arabia |
25 |
|
7 |
Uzbekistan |
25 |
|
6 |
Vietnam |
22 |
|
5 |
Russia |
21 |
|
4 |
Cuba |
20 |
|
3 |
Iran |
11 |
|
2 |
Myanmar |
10 |
|
1 |
China |
9 |
Censored Countries with Worst Internet Freedom – List of Top 10 Countries
There are many well-known countries where internet is not fully accessible or is provided with many restrictions. Here are 10 countries with worst internet freedom based on scores provided by Freedom House 2023:
10. Pakistan
Internet Freedom score – 26/100 (Not free)
- Obstacles to Access- 5/100
- Limits on Content- 13/100
- Violations of User Rights- 8/100
Pakistan blocked access to websites critical of the government or military. Often, they block websites saying it is to stop access to things against religion or adult material. The Pakistan Internet Exchange checks all the web use coming in and out of Pakistan, including emails and important words, and keeps this information for a certain time. The government can ask law enforcement agencies like the FIA to monitor and control content.
According to the Electronic Crime Prevention Regulation (ECPR), ISPs must keep traffic data for at least 90 days and may also be required to collect and store data in real time, keeping their affiliation with the government confidential. The regulation does not specify which measures are the basis for data collection and monitoring.
9. Belarus
Internet Freedom score – 25/100 (Not free)
- Obstacles to Access- 13/100
- Limits on Content- 7/100
- Violations of User Rights- 5/100
Freedom of the press is still very limited in Belarus. State media is controlled by the president, and harassment and censorship of independent media is routine. The government subjects both independent and foreign media to systematic political intimidation, particularly for reporting on economic deterioration and human rights violations.
Journalists are harassed and arrested for covering unauthorized demonstrations or working with unregistered media. Journalists were killed under suspicious circumstances. Most local independent shops engage in self-censorship on a regular basis. The state practically has a monopoly on domestic broadcasting, only state media broadcast nationwide, and the content of smaller television and radio stations is strictly limited.
The government has banned distribution of most independent and opposition newspapers through state mail and kiosk systems, forcing newspapers to sell directly from their newsrooms and use volunteers to deliver copies, but authorities harass and sometimes arrest private distributors.
8. Saudi Arabia
Internet Freedom score – 25/100 (Not free)
- Obstacles to Access- 13/100
- Limits on Content- 7/100
- Violations of User Rights- 5/100
Although Saudi Arabia did not yet have formal censorship laws, the country’s hostile conditions encouraged leaders to adopt stricter rules, which in turn affected the media. The government, led by King Khalid and later his brother King Fahd, implemented policies to counter potential hostility and unrest, such as working closely with religious organizations to implement reforms. The media was not regulated by the government.
In 1992, the government issued a media statement outlining the journalists’ goals, including both a religious and a political component, on behalf of Islam and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia differs from other countries in that its constitution is not protected freedom of speech. The administrative constitution, adopted as an informal constitution in 1992, formally defined the limits of freedom of expression.
Article 39 of the Kingdom’s constitution states that: shall not take actions that cause disorder and division, affect national security and public relations, or harm human dignity and rights.
7. Uzbekistan
Internet Freedom score – 25/100 (Not free)
- Obstacles to Access- 8/100
- Limits on Content- 11/100
- Violations of User Rights- 6/100
Uzbekistan’s legal framework for internet access has raised concerns. Laws related to online expression and access to information have been criticized for limiting freedom of speech and expression. Instances of partial or complete shutdowns of the Internet during political unrest or social unrest have been reported. These stops were seen as an opportunity to control the spread of information and prevent coordination between citizens.
6. Vietnam
Internet Freedom score – 22/100 (Not free)
- Obstacles to Access- 12/100
- Limits on Content- 6/100
- Violations of User Rights- 4/100
Vietnam has a very strict media control in Asia. The government controls the internet content that opposes what the opposition government says. Government tightly regulates news websites, political blogs, and social media. They apply laws and watch people to control and discipline those who share different views on the internet.
5. Russia
Internet Freedom score – 21/100 (Not free)
- Obstacles to Access- 10/100
- Limits on Content- 5/100
- Violations of User Rights- 6/100
Russia has made many new laws and rules that increase their power over the Internet, its content, and the privacy of messages, according to what Human Rights Watch reported today. If these measures are put into action completely, they will greatly weaken how Russian citizens can use their online human rights such as freedom of speech and access to information.
4. Cuba – Limited Internet Access
Internet Freedom score – 20/100 (Not free)
- Obstacles to Access- 4/100
- Limits on Content- 9/100
- Violations of User Rights- 7/100
Due to some regulations some platforms cannot be used such as zoom. All material intended for publication on the Internet must first be approved by the National Serial Registry. Service providers are not allowed to provide access to people not approved by the government.
One report found that many websites of foreign news agencies are not blocked in Cuba, but Cuba’s slow connections and outdated technology make it impossible for citizens to download those websites.
Due to limited bandwidth, authorities favour developing Internet infrastructure in areas where the Internet can be used collectively, such as workplaces, schools and research centres, where many people have access to the same computer or network. Despite these limitations, Internet access is considered essential for Cuba’s economic development.
3. Iran
Internet Freedom score – 11/100 (Not free)
- Obstacles to Access- 6/100
- Limits on Content- 4/100
- Violations of User Rights- 1/100
Iran operates what the Open Net Initiative calls “one of the most comprehensive technical filtering systems in the world”. Passport requirements are mandatory for ISPs through government-controlled gateways. Reformist websites, Flickr, foreign blogs, and social networks such as Facebook were randomly blocked before the election, but censorship intensified as the unrest began.
2. Myanmar- Internet Shutdown
Internet Freedom score – 10/100 (Not free)
- Obstacles to Access- 2/100
- Limits on Content- 5/100
- Violations of User Rights- 3/100
Despite the progress, the internet shutdown, especially during political event. The government used it as a tool to manage information and restrict communication. Content censorship and restrictions have been reported on some websites and platforms. This includes restrictions on political content and criticism of the government.
1. China
Internet Freedom score – 9/100 (Not free)
- Obstacles to Access- 7/100
- Limits on Content- 2/100
- Violations of User Rights-0/100
China’s view of the Internet is one of “Internet sovereignty”: the notion that the Internet inside the country is part of the country’s sovereignty and should be governed by the country.
The Great Firewall are the combination of administrative activities and advance implemented by the People’s Republic of China to direct the Web domestically. Its part in web censorship in China is to moderate down cross-border web traffic and block some websites.
Since 2013, the firewall is actually worked by the the Internet Organization of China, which is the substance in charge of deciphering the Chinese Communist been utilized for recording anti-government protests.
Read More :
- Why Access To Internet Is A Fundamental Right?
- World Press Freedom Index 2023
- Websites Blocked in South Korea
- Websites Blocked in North Korea
FAQs on Top 10 Censored Countries with Worst Internet Freedom
Which countries are considered the worst for internet freedom?
Many times, people talk about how China, North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Russia have strong limits on using the internet freely.
Which country has the most unrestricted Internet?
Iceland is a worldwide leader in internet freedom. The country imposes very few online restrictions and there are no reports of any government internet shutdowns.
What is the rank of internet freedom of India?
India is now ranked 51st globally after the country’s digital divide narrowed. Freedom on the Web is Freedom House’s annual survey and analysis of Internet freedom around the world.
How do these countries justify their restrictions on internet freedom?
Governments often argue that restrictions are necessary to ensure national security, maintain social stability, or preserve cultural and religious values. They may view online dissent as a threat to political control.
Are there legal consequences for expressing dissent online in these countries?
Yes, if someone speaks against the government on the internet, they might face big legal problems like being put in jail or having to pay money as punishment. The people who run a country often watch what happens online so they can find and take action against those who disagree with them.