Today, we recognize World Day Against Cyber Censorship, an important event dedicated to raising awareness about the global efforts to restrict and censor free expression on the Internet. First recognized on 12 March 2008 at the initiative of Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International, this day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for digital freedom and open communication.
At FlokiNET, we stand in solidarity with the global community in opposing online censorship. We reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe and open Internet that upholds freedom of expression.
Global internet freedom on the decline
According to freedomhouse.org, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., best known for its policy advocacy on issues of democracy, political freedom, and human rights, the following key findings were noted in the past year:
Declining Internet Freedom:
For the 13th year in a row, global internet freedom declined, with Iran facing increased digital repression, including internet shutdowns and the blocking of apps such as WhatsApp and Instagram, aimed at suppressing anti-government protests. Myanmar almost overtook China as the world’s worst internet freedom environment, a title China held for nine years. In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte used an anti-terrorism law to suppress critical news sites, signalling a worrying deterioration.
Surge in Attacks on Free Expression
Around the world, attacks on free expression surged as 55 out of 70 countries imposed legal repercussions for online expression. Alarmingly, 41 countries reported physical attacks or killings linked to online expression. The severity reached its peak in Myanmar and Iran, where authorities handed down death sentences for crimes related to online expression. In Belarus and Nicaragua, dictators Alexander Lukashenko and Daniel Ortega used harsh prison sentences to stifle online speech
AI and Disinformation
Governments now use artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate public discourse. In 47 countries, they employ AI-driven tools to influence debates, spread disinformation, and suppress dissent. At least 16 countries have reported using AI-generated content—text, audio, and images—to shape narratives and target critics.
AI-Driven Censorship
Governments, particularly authoritarian regimes, are increasingly turning to AI to suppress online expression. In fact, in 21 countries, digital platforms are legally required to implement machine learning algorithms to restrict disfavored speech. However, despite these efforts, 41 governments continue to block websites that are protected by freedom of expression laws.
Why Protecting Internet Freedom is Crucial
Protecting internet freedom is crucial in the face of increasing AI-driven digital repression. Although private companies are contributing to self-regulation, concerns about human rights persist. Therefore, democratic policymakers must collaborate with global civil society experts to establish human rights-based standards for AI development and deployment. Consequently, a unified approach is essential to ensure that technological progress does not compromise fundamental freedoms.
As we observe World Day Against Cyber Censorship, it is essential to reflect on the importance of these freedoms and the impact of censorship on society.
What You Can Do to Fight Cyber Censorship
Here are practical steps you can take to help protect online freedom and reduce the impact of censorship:
Support, educate yourself and others, and advocate for internet freedom:
Get involved in advocacy efforts, support organizations that promote Internet freedom, and stay informed about issues related to online censorship.
You can stay informed by following organizations such as the National Coalition Against Censorship, Reporters Without Borders, Amnesty International, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Freedom House, Freedom of the Press Foundation.
Use encrypted communication tools:
Secure your conversations using encrypted messaging services like Signal, Element, and ProtonMail to protect your privacy and sensitive data.
Support decentralized platforms:
Explore and promote decentralized social media platforms and communication tools that are less susceptible to centralized control and censorship. Some platforms we recommend are Mastodon and Matrix for anti-censorship communication.
Stay informed about online safety:
Keep up to date with the latest developments in online security, use strong passwords and regularly update your software to mitigate potential cyber threats. Get the latest news and updates on cyber security from sources like KrebsOnSecurity, Schneier on Security and Ars Technica.
Access censored content (if blocked in your region):
Use tools such as Tor for anonymous browsing and a VPN as a secure tunnel for your internet traffic to access censored content. In doing so, you can ensure a safe and private way to browse the internet without restrictions. Additionally, these tools help protect your online privacy while bypassing censorship barriers.
Join the Fight for a Free Internet
As we commemorate World Day Against Cyber Censorship, we urge you to take action, spread awareness, and support a free and open internet. Have any questions or suggestions? Reach out to us at info@flokinet.is or connect with us on our social media channels.
Together, we can protect the future of online freedom.
