DUSHANBE, December 5, 2014, Asia-Plus —
Freedom on the Net 2014
– the fifth annual comprehensive study of internet freedom around the globe, covering developments in 65 countries that occurred between May 2013 and May 2014 –finds internet freedom around the world in decline for the fourth consecutive year, with 36 out of 65 countries assessed in the report experiencing a negative trajectory during the coverage period.
In its report released on December 4, Freedom House says that in a departure from the past, when most governments preferred a behind-the-scenes approach to internet control, countries rapidly adopted new laws that legitimize existing repression and effectively criminalize online dissent.
The past year also saw increased government pressure on independent news websites, which had previously been among the few uninhibited sources of information in many countries, in addition to more people detained or prosecuted for their digital activities than ever before, the report says.
According to the report, Internet freedom around the world has deteriorated for the fourth consecutive year, with the steepest declines in Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey.
The report assesses the level of Internet and digital-media freedom in 65 countries, with each receiving a score from 0 for the most free to 100 for the least free.
Based on the scores, the report ranks countries as free (0-30 points), partly free (31-60 points), or not free (61-100 points).
Of the CIS nations, only Armenia, with 28, points, is ranked as free.
Ukraine (33 points), Kyrgyzstan (34), Azerbaijan (55), Russia (60), and Kazakhstan (60) are among countries in the “partly free” category.
Uzbekistan (79) and Belarus (62) are states where the Internet is not free.
The report does not provide information on Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
The report says that, from May 2013 to May 2014, some 41 countries adopted or proposed laws to penalize free speech online, step up control over Internet content, or expand Internet surveillance.
