In 2024, internet freedom declined globally for the 14th consecutive year, as censorship, unreliable information, and restricted transparency posed severe challenges to voters during election cycles. According to the 2024 Freedom on the Net (FOTN) report, in at least 25 of the 41 FOTN countries that held elections censorship tactics were used to constrain the opposition’s ability to reach voters, reduce access to reliable information, and suppress voters’ concerns. Additionally, decreased transparency on major social media platforms chilled the efforts of independent media groups to shed light on election-related manipulation. Free expression online faced heightened risks, with severe prison sentences and escalating violence threatening those voicing dissent. This report also provides recommendations on safeguarding digital communications and access to information.

Access the full report here.