Taiwan ranks top in Asia, 7th in world for internet freedom: Report

Taipei, Nov. 13 (CNA) Taiwan has once again been rated the freest country in Asia for internet use, ranking seventh globally with a score of 79 out of 100, according to the Freedom on the Net 2025 report released Thursday by U.S.-based watchdog Freedom House.

The report assessed internet freedom in 72 countries between June 2024 and May 2025, measuring obstacles to access, restrictions on online content, and violations of users' rights.

Taiwan's score was unchanged from last year, reaffirming its status as one of the most open online environments in the world.

Japan placed eighth with 78 points, while China and Myanmar remained at the bottom of the list with scores of 9. Freedom House said China's "Great Firewall" continues to block content critical of the Communist Party, while Myanmar's military regime maintains tight control over online speech and surveillance.

Globally, internet freedom declined for the 15th consecutive year.

Report co-author Kian Vesteinsson said worsening repression in authoritarian and authoritarian-leaning countries reflects governments' growing reliance on online restrictions and censorship to preserve power.

He added that conditions in democratic countries have also deteriorated in 2025.

"In North America and Western Europe, we're seeing a shrinking of civic space," Vesteinsson told AFP. "Some countries are tightening restrictions on what they consider hateful or controversial speech."

The report noted that the United States fell to 73 points – its lowest score ever – due in part to detentions over online speech and political pressure on dissenters.

Germany dropped three points to 74 amid stricter enforcement of hate speech laws and growing self-censorship.

Iceland (94), Estonia (91), Chile (87), Costa Rica (86) and Canada (85) led the global rankings.

Freedom House said that despite global declines, Taiwan continues to maintain strong protections for online expression and access to information, supported by its democratic institutions and active civil society.

Founded during World War II, Freedom House is an independent organization funded primarily by the U.S. Congress that advocates for political and civil liberties worldwide.