15 Most Censored Countries with the Highest Internet and Media Censorship in the World

15 most censored countries with the highest internet and media censorship in the world are keeping their nationals in the dark. They are paradigmatic examples of the lack of media freedom.

There is no question that the media plays an important role in shaping our perception of the world. This has always been the case, but perhaps nowadays even more as we have access to the internet. We have a wide array of media outlets to choose from, millions of sources of information to refer to in order to satisfy our curiosity. Simply put, we are given complete freedom to choose the particles that, put together, create lenses through which we see the world. It is precisely because of the media’s role in shaping our views that the media freedom should be an imperative every society should adhere to. However, while many of us take for granted the access to information we have nowadays, people in some parts of the world do not have that luxury. I refer to people living in countries where democracy is a word feared by those who govern. Lack of media freedom and strict censorship is what, among other things, characterizes repressive regimes of the developing world. Independent media is pretty much non-existent in these regimes, and publishing content of your own liking is a matter for wishful thinking. Practising investigative journalism involves the risk of being abused, verbally and physically, and of being held criminally liable. Any criticism of the dominant discourse is eliminated as it represents a threat. Censorship in this context is an especially important tool of the government.

The final result is the public which in uninformed, unable to critically examine the actions of those in power, and therefore, unable to be the catalyst for change. It is no wonder that most of the repressive regimes censor any content that pertains to human rights, which every human being is entitled to. One cannot protest human rights violations as one is completely oblivious to the concept of human rights. Ultimately, it is all a matter of power. Those who establish themselves at the top determine the dominant discourse. They are the ones who determine what shape the hegemonic establishment will take. In this context, the media proves to be the most powerful tool for mind control. Given such circumstances, I admire greatly those who dare to criticize and undermine the existing state. They risk not only their careers, their liberty, but sometimes their lives. Their stories are a constant reminder that we should not take for granted what we have, but that we should use our freedom of speech and expression to be the servants of truth and justice.

This is not the first time that Insider Monkey has decided to touch upon the issue of media and internet censorship worldwide. We have already discussed this matter in our article on countries without freedom of speech or press. Saudi Arabia, Cuba, and Yemen are some of the countries which found their place on the list. Most of the countries which found their place on this list are also among 15 most censored countries in the world. One can claim that they have become a synonym for the censorship in the world today.

On a completely another side of the spectrum, we have countries with the freest press in the world. In case you are interested what countries have no internet censorship, there’s your answer. It was such a joy doing the research for the article about countries which show the utmost respect for the media and for journalism. I believe these countries are the utopia for anyone who is passionate about journalism. By taking into account the data on the World Press Freedom Index scores, I ranked 15 countries where the media has the highest level of freedom. Finland came first on the list. Norway and Netherlands followed close behind. Quite contrary to the countries which found their place on the list that follows, these are the least censored countries in the world. They are also the countries with most internet freedom.

To create the list of 15 most censored countries with the highest internet and media censorship in the world, I have referred to a number of relevant sources. I have used the data provided by the Reporters without Borders, the Freedom House and the Committee to Protect Journalists. In order to rank the countries, I have used the World Press Freedom Index scores for 2017, 2016 and 2015. Furthermore, I have used the data contained in country reports, where available, provided by the Reporters without Borders and the Freedom House. Country reports have provided me with more substantial information with regards to censorship in the countries on the list.

15. Uzbekistan

The last country on our list of the most censored countries in the world is Uzbekistan. The government heavily controls online and print media and broadcasting.

14. Yemen

Political upheavals in the country and violence heavily restrict media freedom. Most of the media outlets are controlled by the parties involved in the conflict. Threats of violence and arbitrary detention force journalists into self-censorship.

13. Somalia

The government of Somalia which ranks 13th on our list of most censored countries with the highest internet and media censorship in the world censors objectionable content and prosecutes those who are critical of it. In December 2016 the government adopted a law which gave it the power to block websites as a form of punishment for media offenses.

12. Equatorial Guinea

The current president of Equatorial Guinea has ruled the country for the past 38 years. As the Reporters without Borders indicates, he has been controlling the media by exercising prior censorship. Self-censorship comes in place of reporting.

11. Iran

Any criticism of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is censored offline and online. The repressive conditions force journalists into self-censorship. Dissident voices in the media are silenced, harassed or subject to arbitrary detention.

And now, let’s see the top ten most censored countries with the highest internet and media censorship in the world.

10. Cuba

In the last ranking of World Press Freedom Index Cuba is ranked 173^rd out of 180 countries making it one of the most censored countries in 2017. The media is controlled by the ruling party. As suggested by the Committee to Protect Journalists, while the internet has created some space for critical reporting, objectionable content is blocked.

9. Djibouti

While freedom of media and freedom of speech are proclaimed in the country’s constitution and protected by laws, this is not put in practice. The media is self-censored and does not criticize the government. The only internet provider in the country is owned by the government.

8. Laos

Laos was among the most censored countries in 2016, which is why it is ranked 8^th on our list of 15 most censored countries with the highest internet and media censorship in the world. Self-censorship is very common. Those who dare to criticize authorities risk being held criminally liable. The government of Laos monitors the internet, restricting access to sensitive content.

7. Sudan

Sudan’s repressive government allows no media freedom. The National Telecommunications Corporation monitors the internet. Websites which present what the country’s authorities perceive as sensitive content are blocked. YouTube is one of the websites that was sporadically blocked by the government.

6. Vietnam

The Committee to Protect Journalists has placed Vietnam among top 10 most censored countries. Vietnam is one of the countries with state controlled media.  Sensitive content that is censored is one pertaining to the criticism of the current government, human rights or ethnic differences between the northern and southern region of the country.

5. China

2017 Freedom House report points out that China, the number five on our list of most censored countries with the highest internet and media censorship in the world has the “most sophisticated system of censorship.” In 2016 a set of laws was adopted aiming at more intensified internet censorship. That is when We Chat and online video streaming platforms were censored. Many citizens are forced to look for alternative ways to access uncensored content.

4. Syria

Practising journalism in war-stricken Syria involves many risks. It has become one of the most dangerous countries to report from. All the media in the country is subject to the official censorship by the General Corporation for the Distribution of Publications. Censorship is reduced in some areas which are controlled by rebels.

3. Turkmenistan

For the past three years, Turkmenistan has been ranked 178th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index ranking. The country’s autocratic regime allows no media freedom. As the Freedom House country report suggests, censorship is extensive, and the fear prevents the media from reporting on some subjects.

2. North Korea

In 2017 World Press Freedom Index ranking, North Korea replaced Eritrea as the country where the media is least free. Regardless of whether you are up to date on global politics or not, chances are you have heard about Kim Jong-un, the head of state. The totalitarian regime of North Korea “keeps its citizens in a state of ignorance,” as pointed out by the Reporters without Borders.

1. Eritrea

The first spot on our list of 15 most censored countries with the highest internet and media censorship in the world belongs to Eritrea. The country has been placed last on the World Press Freedom Index ranking many times. As indicated by the Reporters without Borders, under the dictatorship of the President Isaias Afwerki the media have no rights and are fully under the control of the infamous President. Full censorship is in power.

This was Insider Monkey’s list of 15 most censored countries with the highest internet and media censorship in the world.