China: The Relentless “Great Firewall”
It’s almost impossible to imagine everyday life in China without bumping into some form of censorship. The Chinese government’s “Great Firewall” is like an invisible wall that blocks millions of websites, including Google, Facebook, Twitter, and a long list of international news outlets. Since 2023, the Chinese Communist Party has doubled down, especially on hot topics like the Xinjiang Uyghur crisis or the Hong Kong protests. According to Freedom House’s 2024 report, China scored a shocking 10 out of 100 for internet freedom, the lowest anywhere in the world. Surveillance isn’t just for show — artificial intelligence and facial recognition track nearly every move citizens make online. Journalists, bloggers, and even ordinary people can be arrested for sharing information that goes against the party line. There’s no safe space: censorship seeps into classrooms, movie theaters, libraries, and even private messaging apps. In China, the control of information isn’t just strict—it’s total and deeply woven into daily life.
North Korea: The Hermit Kingdom’s Iron Grip
When it comes to censorship, North Korea sets the standard for extreme isolation. Ordinary citizens aren’t just blocked from the global internet—they’ve never even seen it. Instead, they’re limited to a government-controlled intranet called Kwangmyong, which only features regime-approved content. North Korea ranked last in the 2023 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, with zero space for independent journalism. Anyone caught with foreign media, even a smuggled movie, faces brutal punishment, and this crackdown got even harsher in 2024 after several high-profile escapees exposed the regime’s secrets. The government tightly monitors all calls, texts, and online activity, leaving no room for dissenting voices. The Kim family’s rule depends on this iron-fisted control, and fear is used as a tool to keep society in line. For most North Koreans, the rest of the world might as well not exist.
Iran: Silencing Dissent in the Digital Age
In Iran, censorship is sophisticated and ever-evolving. The government blocks popular platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Telegram, channels often used by activists to spread their message. After the 2022 protests, authorities began using advanced tools like deep packet inspection and artificial intelligence to catch anyone trying to get around online filters. Freedom House’s 2024 report gave Iran a dismal 12 out of 100 for internet freedom, reflecting how tight the digital leash has become. Journalists and bloggers risk prison or worse for challenging the government, and the expansion of Iran’s “national internet” has made it even harder to access the outside world. TV, radio, and newspapers are all tightly controlled, with only state-approved messages allowed. Even private chats can be monitored, leaving many people fearful to speak their minds, online or off.
Russia: War, Propaganda, and the Crushing of Free Speech
Russia’s approach to censorship has grown much more severe since the Ukraine war began. The state blocks independent news outlets and social media platforms that report anything contradicting the official version of events. According to Reporters Without Borders in 2024, Russia plummeted to 155th place out of 180 countries for press freedom. New laws criminalize so-called “fake news” and “extremism,” making it dangerous for journalists and ordinary people to question the government’s actions. In 2023, Russia forced tech companies to store user data locally and demanded the removal of content deemed “harmful.” Many independent journalists have been forced into exile or silenced completely. Government-run TV dominates, serving up a steady diet of propaganda that leaves little room for alternative viewpoints. In Russia, the truth is carefully filtered before it reaches the public.
Saudi Arabia: Strict Rules, High-Tech Surveillance
Saudi Arabia keeps a tight lid on media and online speech, especially if it touches on sensitive issues like politics, religion, or human rights. The government blocks websites and social media accounts critical of the royal family or those pushing for reform. According to the 2024 RSF index, Saudi Arabia ranked 170th out of 180 for press freedom, an incredibly low spot. Advanced surveillance technology is used to track what people say and do online, and authorities have arrested many activists and bloggers for speaking out. In 2023, the crackdown got even tougher around women’s rights and the war in Yemen. Even though there have been some social reforms, censorship remains a powerful tool to keep control. For many Saudis, speaking freely online can have serious consequences, and silence is often the safer option.
Turkmenistan: Locked Down and Out of Sight
Turkmenistan is a masterclass in how to shut out the world. The government owns all media and only allows access to a handful of state-approved websites. Freedom House’s 2023 internet freedom score for Turkmenistan was a mere 8 out of 100, showing just how bleak the situation is. Independent reporting doesn’t exist, and foreign journalists are not welcome. The authorities monitor all phone calls and internet traffic, punishing those who try to bypass restrictions using VPNs or other tools. In 2024, the regime stepped up efforts to hunt down people using underground networks to share uncensored information. For most people, the only news they ever hear is what the government wants them to hear. In Turkmenistan, curiosity can be dangerous.
Vietnam: Cracking Down on Dissent, Online and Off
Vietnam’s censorship machine has kicked into high gear, especially after the 2023 protests over government policies. The Communist Party controls all traditional media—TV, newspapers, radio—and keeps a close watch on what’s happening online. Vietnam ranked 175th out of 180 in RSF’s 2024 press freedom report, among the very worst in the world. Cybersecurity laws are used to jail bloggers and social media users who criticize the authorities, and artificial intelligence is deployed to scan, filter, and remove “unacceptable” content. The government has blocked many independent news sites and steps in quickly to silence online debates about human rights or political change. For the Vietnamese, expressing an opinion online can mean harassment, arrest, or worse.
Egypt: Digital Repression and the Fight for Truth
In Egypt, censorship has become fiercer since 2022, with the government targeting journalists, activists, and almost anyone who steps out of line. Websites and social media accounts that report on government corruption or human rights abuses get shut down fast. Freedom House’s 2024 internet freedom score for Egypt was just 15 out of 100, highlighting the extent of digital repression. The authorities have invested in powerful surveillance tools to track internet traffic and have locked up dozens of bloggers and journalists. In 2023, new laws were passed that gave the government even more control over online content and harsher penalties for “spreading false news.” Most TV and radio stations are now under state control, making sure only the official story gets told.
Belarus: Silencing Opposition in the Digital Age
Belarus has become more oppressive since the 2020 election protests, with the government doing everything it can to block out independent voices. Authorities block websites and social networks that support opposition or criticize President Alexander Lukashenko. According to RSF’s 2024 index, Belarus ranked 158th out of 180 for press freedom. Internet shutdowns and content filtering are common, especially during protests or political unrest. In 2023, new laws criminalized online dissent and expanded the government’s power to monitor and punish critics. Journalists face harassment, imprisonment, and often have to flee the country. Censorship in Belarus isn’t just about hiding information—it’s about crushing the will to resist.
Myanmar: Darkness After the Coup
The situation in Myanmar has grown even more desperate since the military coup in 2021. The junta controls all TV and radio and blocks independent websites, making it nearly impossible for people to get uncensored news. Freedom House’s 2024 report gave Myanmar an internet freedom score of just 10 out of 100. The military uses internet shutoffs and social media bans to silence protestors and hide information about crackdowns and human rights abuses. In 2023, journalists and activists were increasingly targeted for arrest and violence if they reported on resistance movements or spoke up for democracy. For many in Myanmar, the truth is buried deep, and sharing it can be a life-threatening act.