Freedom House recently published its latest report on freedom online, which noted that global internet freedom continues to decline year on year. We thus highlight some of the signs that our freedom online has been diminishing.
The internet has transformed the way we communicate, access information, and conduct business, becoming an integral part of our daily lives. It has not only expanded our horizons but has also been a catalyst for innovation, providing a platform for global collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Central to the internet’s success is its inherent freedom, allowing individuals to express themselves, access diverse perspectives, and engage in a borderless world. However, the freedom of the internet is not guaranteed, and there are signs that it is gradually eroding.
A new report by Freedom House entitled “Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence”, highlighted that global internet freedom has declined for the 12th consecutive year. More recently, the decline has been driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), which is being used to remove (and in some instances censor) online content in some quarters, whilst in others AI is being used to create and propagate fake material.
In the Caribbean region, it may seem that we are somewhat removed from the loss of internet freedom that is the subject of the Freedom House report. But as a global medium in which we, individually, and our countries do not have much control over the content we post online or what we and others see in our news feeds, the odds are that we are already subject to the changing dynamics of the internet, and accordingly, are already losing certain freedoms. So in this article, we explore key signs of diminishing internet freedom.
Signs of diminishing internet freedom
The signs of declining internet freedom are varied, and in some instances subtle, to the point you may even realise the changes that have been occurring. Sometimes, they may have been triggered by a particular event or certain activities and the initial response is to protect and put more safeguards in place. However, over time, more measures have been put in place, ultimately resulting in a clawback of certain freedoms that had been enjoyed before.
Greater censorship and content control: Many countries have imposed strict censorship on online content, often under the guise of protecting national security or morality. Internet service providers and platforms may block websites, restrict access to social media, or remove content that goes against government narratives. The Freedom House report noted that In at least 53 of the 70 countries it surveyed, users faced legal repercussions for expressing themselves online, often leading to draconian prison terms. Additionally, the report noted that “a record number of national governments blocked websites with nonviolent political, social, or religious content, undermining the rights to free expression and access to information. A majority of these blocks targeted sources located outside of the country.”
Surveillance and privacy concerns: Governments and corporations routinely engage in mass surveillance, monitoring online activities without the user’s consent, which is not limited to the online space. With towns and cities becoming more connected, many countries are implementing mass surveillance initiatives, which tend to be initially justified as national security measures and to fight crime. However, often there is little or no transparency thus raising privacy concerns and undermining the public trust in digital and online communication.
Propagation of fake news and disinformation: The internet has enabled the rapid dissemination of fake news and disinformation, which can influence public opinion and erode trust in reliable sources of information. On social media, in particular, an echo chamber can be easily created that amplifies the content being shared, thus compounding the impact of fake news and the damage it can do. Further, thanks to generative AI and the ease with which advanced technologies can be accessed, there is a growing prevalence of deep fakes that is making it even more difficult to identify authentic and factual information versus that which has been manipulated with the deliberate intent of deceiving others.
Online harassment and hate speech: Despite the potential for online discourse to foster positive discussions, there is a proliferation of online harassment, hate speech, and cyberbullying, which can lead us to question where boundaries should be on free expression. The ‘echo chamber effect’ can also be prevalent thus perpetuating the negative messaging and inciting violence and hatred.
Net neutrality violations: The concept of net neutrality, which ensures that all internet traffic is treated equally, has come under threat in some regions. In countries that have repealed net neutrality regulations, service providers can prioritize certain content or throttle the speed of specific websites, potentially stifling competition and innovation.
In the Caribbean region, although countries have sought to maintain net neutrality, it is continually under threat as network carriers continue to lobby for over-the-top (OTT) services and certain types of content to be charged more. Having said this, our large regional mobile/cellular operators have zero-rated access to certain online platforms, which it could be argued prioritises certain services over others, and thus challenges the net neutrality principle while harming market competition and innovation.
In summary, preserving the freedom of the internet is critical for the digital age and the signs of diminishing internet freedom are indeed concerning. However, to begin to remedy this situation, we all need to be more aware, more active and more proactive to ensure that the internet remains a platform for open communication, innovation, and the free exchange of ideas.
Image credit: Gerd Altmann (Pixabay); Freedom House;
