In this article, we look at the 5 most censored countries in the world. If you would like to view our detailed analysis of the economic impact of censorship, you can go to the 20 Most Censored Countries in the World.
05. South Sudan
IC Ranking: 170th
Radio channels in South Sudan are a popular news source, and according to RSF, they repeatedly face threats from government authorities. News media and printing plants face frequent raids from the National Security Service, which also contributes to censorship. Ethnic conflicts in the country have also restricted journalism by preventing journalists belonging to one ethnic group from covering news regarding the other.
04. Syria
IC Ranking: 171st
The total cost of internet restrictions in Syria amounted to $9.6 million, with just 34 hours of internet blackout. Internet was shut down during high school exams, which, according to the government, was done to prevent cheating. Between May and August, ten internet shutdowns were implemented, which lasted up to four hours at a time.
03. Turkmenistan
IC Ranking: 172nd
According to RSF, most major media channels in Turkmenistan, print or digital, only spread news of government propaganda. The censorship against journalists has significantly increased since March of 2022, after the son of the previous leader was elected as the country’s new president. Journalists are regularly imprisoned or exiled, with their families facing heavy pressure as well.
02. United Arab Emirates
IC Ranking: 173rd
According to RSF data, the UAE has several legal frameworks that hinder free speech, especially in the press media. According to a 1980 federal law, authorities can censor any content they deem highly critical of the ruling families, policies, the economy, or religion. Using vague statements such as ‘threats to social cohesion’, any content disliked by the government can face censorship.
01. Yemen
IC Ranking: 174th
Yemen is first on the list of the most censored countries in the world. The country experienced 2,376 hours of social media shutdown in 2023, which equated to a cost of $37.2 million. The most pertinent reason was to infringe on the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly. Zoom and Signal were the two leading platforms that were blocked before demonstrations could take place.
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