Internet freedom around the world has declined for the 13th year in a row, according to a report released this Wednesday by Freedom House, which names China as the worst online environment and Iran as the country in the worst decline.
According to the report “Online Freedom 2023: The Oppressive Power of Artificial Intelligence” [Liberdade na Internet 2023: O poder de repressão da inteligência artificial, na tradução para português]The digital crackdown has intensified in Iran, a country that recorded its worst recession in a year, as authorities shut down internet service, blocked platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram and stepped up surveillance in an attempt to quell anti-government protests.
Despite Iran being the world’s worst-declined country, China continues to hold the title for the world’s worst internet freedom for the ninth year in a row.