The state of Global Internet Freedom in 2023 is concerning as per a report by Freedom House, a Washington DC-based non-profit organization. The report unveils a disturbing trend of diminishing Internet freedom for the 13th consecutive year, with 29 countries witnessing a decline in the online environment for human rights. The evaluation period of the report spans from June 2022 to May 2023 and covers internet freedom in 70 countries, which includes about 88% of the global internet users.
Approaches to Online Censorship
The report assesses countries based on five methods of censorship – restrictions on Internet connectivity, blocks on social media platforms, website blocks, VPN blocks, and forced removal of content.
Key Highlights of the Report
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a crucial tool in digital repression. Its sophisticated tools are increasingly accessible and used to disseminate disinformation in at least 16 countries. Additionally, AI streamlines the efficiency of content censorship in 22 countries by automating the removal of politically, socially or religiously unacceptable content.
A total of 55 out of the 70 evaluated countries have seen legal repercussions for online expression. Moreover, attacks or killings related to online statements occurred in 41 countries.
Country-Specific Findings
Iran experienced a significant increase in digital repression due to Internet shutdowns, social media platform blocks, and enhanced surveillance to curb anti-government protests. China maintained its status as the worst country for Internet freedom for the ninth consecutive year, followed by Myanmar.
India’s AI-Enabled Digital Repression
India’s legal framework has incorporated AI-based censorship, affecting the freedom of expression and criticism of the ruling party. The expanding censorship regime may have adverse effects on Indian democracy, particularly as the country gears up for general elections in 2024.
Censorship in India
Censorship in India takes form in various laws that aim to suppress or control information, ideas, or expressions deemed objectionable or harmful. In the context of the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, censorship can be enforced through the forfeiture of certain content or publications considered to be detrimental to state interests.
Regulatory Bodies in India
The Central Bureau of Film Certification (CBFC), a statutory body operating under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, regulates the content of films made available to the public. The Press Council of India, established under the Press Council Act, 1978, acts as a self-regulatory body, emphasizing the need for media professionals to self-regulate while acting as a watchdog for media content.
The Cable Television Networks Act, 1995, mandates compulsory registration for cable operators and filters the type of content broadcasted.
New IT Rules, 2021
With the significant growth of social media, the IT Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021, were implemented to regulate social media usage. These guidelines are aimed at addressing concerns around content that may be harmful or objectionable.
Advantages and Limitations of Censorship
Censorship can help maintain social harmony by preventing the disclosure of objectionable content. It also preserves the security of the state by curbing illegal activities and internet crimes.
However, there are limitations. The enforcement of censorship legislation can become a tool of moral policing, controlling people’s lives rather than addressing public issues. It also poses a risk of discretionary political control due to the extensive powers granted to the regulatory body. Furthermore, intense censorship contradicts the constitutional mandate of free speech and expression.
The Way Forward
To safeguard the freedom of speech and expression, robust legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications and access to information are required. Regulating AI is critical to ensure its use in bolstering internet freedom rather than suppressing it.