Free speech is a distant dream in these countries, finds study; this is where India stands in the list
Free speech is a fundamental pillar of democracy, enabling individuals to express opinions, challenge authority, and engage in open debate without fear of censorship. By promoting the free flow of ideas, societies benefit from increased creativity, innovation, and individual autonomy. Yet, the global state of free speech faces an alarming decline, often referred to as a “free speech recession.”
According to ‘Who In The World Supports Free Speech?’, over the past decade, more countries have seen increased repression of free speech than have witnessed improvements. Along with this the legal restrictions, societal attitudes toward freedom of expression have also shifted, creating barriers for diverse viewpoints to thrive.
The importance of free speech is not restricted to just this but goes far beyond abstract principles. It reflects people’s ability to challenge norms, criticise authority, and discuss sensitive issues openly as these elements are important for progress and understanding. However, recent data reveals contrasting perspectives around the world. While many people support free speech, others express concerns over its impacts for national security, economic stability, or societal harmony. The 2024 global survey conducted by ‘The Future of Free Speech’, in collaboration with UK based YouGov. By analysing opinions from individuals across 33 countries, the report investigates modern attitudes toward free speech, censorship, and sensitive topics like government criticism, religion, minority rights, LGBTQ+ relationships, and generative AI regulation.
Here are the countries that rank lowest in the list:
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