New Report from Freedom House: Iran Holds Record for Most 'Internet Freedom Decline' in the World

The American think tank 'Freedom House' states in its latest report on global internet freedom in 2023 that internet freedom has worsened for the thirteenth consecutive year. The report adds that the most repression and the worst decline in internet freedom globally occurred in Iran, while China has the worst internet freedom conditions. 'Freedom House' claims that Iranian officials severely reduced internet freedom in 2023 by intensifying digital repression. The think tank indicates that Iranian authorities shut down the internet, blocked WhatsApp and Instagram, and increased surveillance to suppress anti-government protests following the death of Mahsa Amini during 'morality police' enforcement. Last year, following Mahsa Amini's death at the hands of 'morality police' over hijab enforcement, anti-government street protests occurred in various cities across Iran for months. Government forces killed hundreds during these protests in different cities, executed some protesters, injured many, and imprisoned tens of thousands. 'Freedom House' states that in 2023, attacks on freedom of expression have become more common worldwide. In 55 out of 70 countries covered in this report, people faced legal consequences for expressing opinions online, and in 41 countries, individuals were physically attacked for their online comments. 'Freedom House' elaborates that the most shocking cases occurred in Myanmar and Iran, where 'their autocratic regimes executed individuals convicted of crimes related to expressing opinions online.' The report notes that after Mahsa Amini's death, the Iranian government blocked unrestricted access to Instagram, the only global social media platform accessible without restrictions in Iran, and executed two individuals for blasphemy simply for sharing their opinions on the Telegram social network. 'Freedom House' asserts that the worst decline in internet freedom occurred in Iran. According to the report, artificial intelligence can be used to disseminate misinformation online. 'Freedom House' states that AI allows governments to enhance and refine their online censorship methods. The report suggests that policymakers in democratic countries should create a regulatory framework for the positive use of AI that aligns with human rights standards, transparency, and accountability. Among the actions attributed to the Iranian government reported by journalists are online threats from anonymous pro-government accounts, with many believing that Iran's security agencies are behind these accounts. The report compares the situation in Iran with events in Sudan in 2023, stating that Sudanese officials similarly restricted internet access in April 2023 and cut off important communication channels while hundreds of thousands were engaged in heavy fighting between militia and military forces. 'Freedom on the Net' is an annual human rights study in the digital realm that assesses the state of internet freedom in 70 countries, which constitute 88 percent of the world's total. This is the thirteenth report in this series, with contributions from over 85 analysts and advisors. The state of internet freedom is measured by 21 separate indicators related to access barriers, content restrictions, and user rights violations.