One thing that all of us have learned during the pandemic is that the internet is a necessity. It is much more than a tool to pass the time. Instead, it is something around which most of our day is spent. Indeed, from waking up to checking messages, logging in for work, checking social media, updating on the latest news, we depend on the internet throughout our day. Thus, internet freedom is very important. However, there are countries with few internet freedom. This article introduces countries with less and the most internet freedom, respectively.
Even imagining that there are countries without internet freedom seems absurd. The internet is more like a human right. Also, it offers Freedom of expression to think, search, and act. However, some countries think otherwise. However, this doesn't mean an end to your ability to browse websites. Indeed, there are ways to access sites and information that countries do not want us to see. One of these tools is to use VPN Proxy Master to help you access your right to information.
What Is Internet Freedom?
Internet freedom is a blanket term consisting of digital rights. That is, it includes Freedom of expression, the right to seek knowledge, search, access the internet, etc. Also, it is the right of citizens to use the internet without any enforced bias, restriction, or censorship. No country has 100% internet freedom. Furthermore, there are few restrictions almost everywhere. Indeed, some restrictions make sense. For instance, like preventing the spread of pirated content, sites that spread immoral content or accessing classified information, etc.
The extent of internet freedom a country offers depends upon the type of content the citizens can access freely, i.eThe more digital liberties are accessible for the citizens, the higher is their level of internet freedom.
To quantify the internet freedom a country offers to its citizens, you can look at the 'Freedom on the Net Index, which measures each country's internet freedom level based on methodology questions. The more obstacles like geopolitical barriers and economic barriers exist in a country hindering users' access to the internet, the less the 'internet freedom' score. This list is updated on a yearly basis. The main criteria for analyzing internet freedom is:
Obstacles to Online Access
This includes socio-political barriers like the unstable economy, infrastructure, shutting off content because of political barriers, etc.
Restricted Content
Analyzing restrictions on content available online, be it certain websites or apps. Including filtering media, blocking websites, censoring content or manipulating the information, and creating a biased view.
Violating Freedom of Speech
Violating users' rights and putting restrictions on users' privacy, Freedom to express, post content, etc. It also takes the user's right to step up and speak against the authorities in some cases. While in others, it also punishes those that commit cybercrime, internet harassment, etc.
Countries With Less Internet Freedom
Nowadays, internet access has become the glue holding everyone together, be it social providing a platform to connect and interact or seek knowledge. The internet has become a necessity as we all depend on the internet to get through most of our day-to-day activities. The advantages of the internet have only become more prominent after the 2020 pandemic, like access to online banking, online shopping, consulting doctors online, studying from home to working from home. Without the internet, one can not compete with the fast pace of life.
However, as astonishing as it might sound, there are some countries where internet freedom is considered a privilege. Below is the list of the top five countries with less internet freedom.
North Korea
At the top of the list of countries with the least internet freedom in North Korea. There is nothing that the Korean government does not restrict or censor. North Korean citizens can not access western social media, youtube, or torrents. Even the political media present on the internet is heavily monitored.
China
Next up is China. Despite advances in the field of technology, China also has limited internet freedom in the country. Like North Korea, users can not access all Western social media platforms, even in China. The Chinese government discourages the use of western communication and messaging apps and encourages the use of apps made in the country like 'WeChat'. 'WeChat is preferred by the government because it does not support end-to-end encryption, thus restricting users' Freedom of speech and privacy.
Iran
Iran has been oppressing its citizens' Freedom of the internet, speech, and expression for 50 years. In Iran, torrenting is not entirely banned, but pornography websites are. All the social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Telegram, Snapchat are banned, and users need a VPN to access these sites.
The government pressured the users to use only domestic platforms. At the same time, the websites that publish political content are heavily monitored.
UAE
UAE also limits internet freedom for its users. Even the most commonly used apps like WhatsApp are banned in the UAE. This makes contacting friends and family within and even abroad very difficult. Although many people work their way around this by installing VPN Proxy Master, doing so helps them mask their IP address and bypass geo-restrictions.
Venezuela
The Venezuelan government blocks any content or media that it considers threatening to the government's law and order. In order to tackle public opposition, the government monitors and restricts all such social media platforms, articles, and websites that may result in rebellious behavior by the public. Anyone who tries to exercise their right of Freedom of expression and speaks against the government may end up spending the next 30 years in prison.
Countries With The Most Internet Freedom
Developed countries that understand the importance of Freedom of expression, speech, the ability to search and seek knowledge are the ones that allow maximum internet freedom to their users. These countries do not fear rebellious riots because the internet is a service for the public and it only conveys their thoughts thus helping the government in getting the public's point of view on policies as well. They understand that by suppressing and unnecessary surveillance, the public will only consider the government as the enemy which it clearly is not.
Following are the top 4 countries with the most internet freedom for users.
Iceland
Iceland is the country providing almost 100% internet freedom to its users. It has maintained its position at the top for 3 consecutive years. There is no restriction. WiFi is available for everyone, and there is no surveillance or manipulation on any kind of website or social media platform. It supports Freedom of speech. But the only obstacle is the weather. The winter storms often make internet access an issue.
Estonia
Estonia is second to none but Iceland when it comes to internet freedom. There are no significant socio-political, economic, or infrastructural barriers that hinder internet access for the users. And the government blocks only a few websites that are defendable. Also, content can only be blocked through court approval, so manipulation and censorship are options.
Germany
Next is Germany, which highly discourages surveillance. Germany believes in Freedom of expression and speech. Unless content threatens national security, it can not be censored or manipulated. However, like many European countries, if users download via torrent, they can expect a letter mentioning a massive fine on their doorstep.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, not only do the users get high-speed internet but also there is no restriction or threat to their Freedom of speech. The users can access all the social media apps like Whatsapp, Facebook, etc. The government does not censor any website or content. However, there are some restrictions like spreading pirated content using torrents, etc.
Conclusion
In today's digital world, the internet has become more than just a way to pass the time. However, some countries think otherwise and are so where users' right to freedom and the internet is limited or, in some cases, wholly restricted.
But to continue browsing, the users need to fight for their right to access what is hidden from them. This is why VPN is an essential tool for privacy and accessing information. If you live in a country where specific content is restricted or privacy breaches exist, then subscribing to VPN Proxy Master might be a good choice. You can freely use VPN on all your devices and browsers by buying a package.
