📣 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 restrictions on online 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/free…

On International Religious Freedom Day, we reaffirm that freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right. Shining a light on religious persecution, amplifying the voices of those targeted, and holding perpetrators accountable are essential to defending this freedom worldwide.

In an alarming possible case of #transnationalrepression, Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya has reportedly been forcibly disappeared in Kenya. We call on Kenyan authorities to promptly investigate the potential incident of #transnationalrepression, establish Mwaipaya’s whereabouts, and hold those responsible for his abduction accountable.

Joshua Wong remains in prison as authorities continue to restrict fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong. In a new @Byline Times Interview, Andrew Duncan of the @RTW_Foundation discusses Wong’s case & the broader crackdown on Hong Kong’s democracy movement.

As Freedom House marks its 85th anniversary this week, we're reflecting on the impact of our work to defend freedom worldwide. In 2016, following years of advocacy by Freedom House and our partners, Congress passed the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. This achievement is one example of how we bring together policymakers, activists, and other partners to advance human rights and hold perpetrators of abuses accountable. Help us build on 85 years of advocacy. Invest in freedom's future: freedomhouse.org/investing-f…

Watch: At last week's #FreedomOnTheNet 2026 launch, report author Kian Vesteinsson shared key findings, including growing restrictions on internet access and the expanding use of shutdowns to suppress dissent. Explore the report: freedomhouse.org/report/free…

Last week, Freedom House was proud to support @USAmbUN Mike Waltz's event at the UN amplifying the voices of former Cuban political prisoners @LMOAlcantara and @jdanielferrer. The regime's public attacks, smear campaigns, and attempts to intimidate them at UN headquarters show that its repression extends far beyond Cuba's borders. We stand with Luis Manuel, José Daniel, and all Cubans demanding freedom. #TransnationalRepression #SOSCuba #PatriaYVida

Global internet freedom declined for the 16th consecutive year, as authoritarian governments intensified efforts to censor information, restrict access, and silence dissent online. Our 2026 #FreedomOnTheNet report examines the threats reshaping the internet and what can be done to protect digital rights worldwide. Explore the findings: freedomhouse.org/report/free…

Last week, Freedom House CEO @jamiemfly joined @USAmbUN Mike Waltz at the UN to spotlight the Cuban regime's longstanding repression and amplify the voices of former political prisoners whom the regime has spent years trying to silence. Since then, the regime has launched a coordinated campaign to smear and discredit those who spoke out. What panelists experienced at the UN and online in the days that followed is a glimpse of the intimidation, harassment, and repression Cubans face every day simply for exercising their fundamental rights. For political prisoners and their families, the costs are far greater. The world must not look away. #FreeThemAll #SOSCuba #PatriaYVida

The Cuban regime may imprison Maykel Osorbo, but it cannot silence his voice. More than five years after his arrest, his continued detention remains a profound injustice and a reminder of the price Cubans pay for speaking freely. Freedom House stands with Maykel and all those unjustly imprisoned for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights. It is time to free Maykel Osorbo and all political prisoners in Cuba. #FreeMaykelOsorbo #LibertadParaLosPresosPoliticos #Cuba

Satellite internet offers a lifeline to people living under authoritarian internet shutdowns. Iran and Russia are using the forthcoming ITU World Radiocommunication Conference to restrict access. In @PostOpinions, Freedom House's @jamiemfly and Jennifer Brody explain how Washington can counter these efforts and help protect internet freedom. Read their recommendations.

Freedom House's China Dissent Monitor tracks the frequency and diversity of protests and other acts of dissent across China, helping fill critical information gaps created by CCP censorship and restrictions on independent reporting. A new issue is coming this week, with fresh data and analysis of dissent across the country. Catch up on our latest findings and sign up to receive the new issue directly in your inbox: freedomhouse.org/report/chin…

We welcome @MariaCorinaYA’s return to Venezuela and reaffirm the right of all Venezuelans to return safely and freely. She alongside the Venezuelan people should be able to exercise their rights in an environment free from intimidation and with all due guarantees. #Venezuela

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.

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 update: freedomhouse.org/article/upd…

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.

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-… #FreeThemAll

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/free…

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 surrounding age verification 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=8O1J…

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…