The Death of Internet Freedom in The West

Digital surveillance, content filtering and the blocking of websites deemed "dangerous" by the government are all things that are more common than you might think. The Internet is supposed to be an open network, where anyone can post and access anything they wish.

It is well known that internet censorship takes place in countries with restrictive governments, such as North Korea and Cuba, but Internet freedoms are dying in other parts of the world too, as this eye-opening infographic shows:

• 34 out of 60 countries surveyed have less freedom online today than they did in 2012
• Digital surveillance has increased in 35 countries across the world
• Content filtering is being voluntarily used by ISPs in many parts of Europe
• Attempts to fight piracy, such as the proposed SOPA act, threaten Internet freedom in the USA.

Access to the Internet is essential for education, communication and support in today's world. This infographic, created by CWCS, highlights how easily the freedom and power the Internet gives us all could be taken away. No matter where you live in the world, it's important to remain vigilant and protect your online freedoms.

Published with permission from CWCS