Press freedom at lowest level in 25 years amid growing authoritarian pressure
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· IT, AI, semiconductors & computing· Mains·
Why in news
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released the World Press Freedom Index, reporting that global press freedom has hit its lowest level in 25 years due to restrictive national security laws and political hostility.
Background
Over half of the world's countries are now categorized as having 'difficult' or 'very serious' press freedom environments.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyReporters Without Borders (RSF) is the organization responsible for compiling the World Press Freedom Index
- FactThe number of people living in countries with good press freedom fell from one-fifth in 2002 to less than 1%.
- FactOver 48 journalists are currently imprisoned in Russia according to the report.
For Mains
Q. Examine how the weaponization of national security laws and online abuse poses a systemic threat to press freedom and democratic accountability in the 21st century.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Legal weaponization: Use of national security statutes to criminalize investigative journalism and dissent
- Digital erosion: Rise of coordinated online abuse and state-sponsored disinformation to silence media
- Fiscal pressure: Impact of government funding cuts on independent media sustainability
Keywords: Press Freedom · Authoritarianism · National Security Laws · Democratic Accountability · Digital Abuse
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