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A 5G testing spot is provided by a Chinese telecoms company in Chengdu downtown. China has invested significantly in 5G infrastructure development. Editorial Credit: Editorial credit: B.Zhou / Shutterstock.com.

Technology & Democracy

Rapidly advancing information and communication technologies have had a profound impact on democracy around the world. They have provided new platforms for civic mobilization and the dissemination of news and commentary, but they are also subject to censorship, surveillance, and exploitation by antidemocratic forces.

Rapidly advancing information and communication technologies have had a profound impact on democracy around the world. They have provided new platforms for civic mobilization and the dissemination of news and commentary, but they are also subject to censorship, surveillance, and exploitation by antidemocratic forces.

With regards to internet freedom, Freedom House counteracts the rising tide of government control over the internet. We produce the preeminent analysis of global online freedom, the annual Freedom on the Net report, empower local experts in dozens of countries to speak up for the rights of internet users, and assist activists in recovering from digital attacks.

FOTN COVER

Freedom on the Net

Freedom on the Net is Freedom House’s annual survey and analysis of internet freedom around the world. Explore the latest edition  to learn how governments are on a campaign to divide the open internet into a patchwork of repressive enclaves. 

Learn More
Freedom House - Election Watch for the Digital Age

NEW: Election Watch for the Digital Age

Freedom House is piloting a new research initiative to investigate the interplay between digital platforms and election integrity. Election Watch for the Digital Age equips technology companies, civil society organizations, and policymakers with a data-driven resource for evaluating the human rights impact of internet platforms on a country’s electoral process. 

Learn More

Featured Analysis

A young woman wearing a protective mask looks at her smartphone while passing by a grafitti representing two big watching eyes in Berlin, Germany on April 1, 2020. Illustrative Editorial (Photo by Emmanuele Contini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The Pandemic's Digital Shadow

Freedom on the Net

Hexagon network covering the world map with glowing data centers and shield symbols global cybersecurity

User Privacy or Cyber Sovereignty?

Special Report

Black Lives Matter protest in Atlanta June 2020

How Domestic Spying Tools Undermine Racial Justice Protests

Perspectives

June 22, 2020

News & Perspectives:

TikTok

A TikTok Trend You Can’t Ignore: Addressing the Risks by Protecting Privacy and Bolstering Transparency

Perspectives

February 2, 2023
CHILDREN WITH PHONES IN A CROWD

Southeast Asia’s Leaders Should Work Toward a Freer Internet

Perspectives

November 21, 2022

A man holds a poster showing Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban reading: " We say no to your observation! Do you want me to steal our privacy?" during a protest against the Hungarian government for using Pegasus spyware to monitor journalists,

Digital Repression is Deepening, But Civil Society Wins Give Reason for Optimism

Perspectives

October 20, 2022
BGMI: Protesters in Taiwan hold placards with messages that read “reject red media” and “safeguard the nation’s democracy” during a rally against pro-China media.

The Best Antidote to Beijing’s Authoritarian Influence Campaign Is Democracy Itself

Perspectives

September 8, 2022
Kenya Protest

How African Democracies Can Rise and Thrive Amid Instability, Militarization, and Interference

Perspectives

September 1, 2022
Messages left by protesters are displayed on the wall of the Hong Kong Government Complex in Admiralty, Hong Kong. Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com.

The Struggle for Democracy in Asia Deserves Our Support

Perspectives

August 18, 2022

protester holds sign that says freedom is a right not a privilege hong kong china

China Media Bulletin

The monthly China Media Bulletin provides unique insight on censorship, media freedom, and internet freedom issues related to the People's Republic of China, drawing on both English and Chinese-language sources. Click to learn more, or subscribe here. 

Learn More

Freedom House in the Media:

forbes logo

LinkedIn Profiles Indicate 300 Current TikTok And ByteDance Employees Used To Work For Chinese State Media—And Some Still Do opens in new tab

August 11, 2022

The Los Angeles Times

Opinion: What Twitter’s lawsuit against the Indian government could mean for global free expression opens in new tab

July 19, 2022

The Los Angeles Times

Op-Ed: What Twitter’s lawsuit against the Indian government could mean for global free expression opens in new tab

July 16, 2022

Featured Experts

Adrian Shahbaz Expert Photo

Adrian Shahbaz

Vice President, Research and Analysis

adrianshahbaz

Allie Funk Expert Photo

Allie Funk

Research Director for Technology and Democracy

alfunk

Grant Baker, Research Associate for Technology and Democracy at Freedom House

Grant Baker

Research Analyst for Technology and Democracy

@GrantJBaker

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].  

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