China and Myanmar rank worst in Internet Freedom, no Arab countries listed as fully free

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An annual report published by the American non-governmental organization Freedom House has revealed that China and Myanmar are the worst countries in the world regarding Internet freedom. Cuba, Russia, and Iran rounded out the top five. The report, which assessed 72 countries representing approximately 87% of global internet users, highlighted severe restrictions on online access and freedom in many regions.

According to the report, 25 countries restricted access to websites, blocked social media platforms, or imposed complete internet shutdowns, impacting citizens’ ability to communicate freely.

The countries were categorized into three levels: free, partially free, and not free. No Arab countries were classified as “free” in terms of internet freedom. However, Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Iraq, and Libya were listed as “partially free.” In contrast, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, and Sudan were among the “not free” countries for 2024.

The report also noted that in several countries, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, people faced consequences for expressing opinions about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, further reflecting the challenges of internet freedom in the region.