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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.

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

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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:

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Philippines: Marcos Administration Must Demonstrate Commitment to Voters, Enact Prodemocracy Reforms

Press release

May 10, 2022

Freedom House

Freedom House Experts Join Executive Leadership Team

Press release

April 4, 2022

Protestors in Yangon shine their phone lights during a demonstration against Myanmar's military coup. Image credit: Theint Mon Soe/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Myanmar: Democratic States, International Organizations Must Redouble Efforts to Support Democracy One Year after Coup

Press release

February 1, 2022

2022 Kazakhstan protests — Aqtobe, January 4

Kazakhstan: Freedom House Urges De-escalation of Violence, Movement Toward Rule of Law

Press release

January 6, 2022

In the high-stakes battle between states and technology companies, the rights of internet users have become the main casualties. Illustration by Mitch Blunt

NEW REPORT: Global Battle over Internet Regulation Has Major Implications for Human Rights

Press release

September 21, 2021
Ethernet Cable Against Russian Flag

Russian Elections Will Put the Kremlin’s Internet Controls to the Test

Perspectives

September 14, 2021
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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:

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Russia Prepares Destructive Cyberattacks opens in new tab

March 30, 2022

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The Sunday Show: Internet Freedom After the Invasion of Ukraine opens in new tab

March 20, 2022

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Opinion: Ukraine shows the press is the enemy of tyrants, not the people opens in new tab

March 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

Kian Vesteinsson Expert Photo

Kian Vesteinsson

Research Analyst, Technology and Democracy

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For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].  

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