Freedom House launched its “Freedom on the Net 2020” report, in which online freedom of expression is evaluated. The report evaluated Internet freedom in 65 countries making up 87 percent of all Internet users around the globe. Iceland was evaluated as the country with the freest Internet and China was ranked last. Turkey lost two more points, compared to last year, in the ranking, receiving only 35 points out of 100 and was placed among the countries without Internet freedom.
According to the report, which indicated that Internet freedom continues to regress across the globe for the last 10 years, governorates are using the pandemic as an excuse to prevent freedom of expression and access to information. The officials have censored independent journalism on the virus in 28 countries; and those making criticisms online were arrested in 45 countries. The pandemic was shown as an excuse for arbitrary or excessive restrictions against freedom of expression in at least 20 countries.
One of the report’s writers, Freedom House Director of Technology and Democracy Adrian Shahbaz made an evaluation on Turkey and stated that the country is on a traumatic course of regression, especially since the Gezi Park protests. Indicating that they have witnessed many law articles enacted by the government after the protests to win back control of media, Shahbaz stated, “The traditional media sector and government actors have long been manipulated and controlled by pro-government businessmen. Now, we see the same steps being taken so that they can control digital media.”
Please click here for the full report.
15.10.2020
amerikaninsesi.com