States using internet to threaten democracy on the increase

States using internet to threaten democracy on the increase
By Euronews
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A recent report by Freedom House highlights a growing number of regimes using the internet to disrupt democracy abroad and limit individual freedom at home.

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A “grave threat to democracy”. That’s how a recent report from NGO Freedom House characterises the online activities of an increasing number of states.

According to the study, in 2017, 30 goverments used the internet to distort information online, using a variety of tools, including trolls, bots, automated accounts, paid commentators and fake news.

Freedom House says the number of regimes weaponising the internet is on the rise – there were 23 countries on the list last year – and a growing number of leaders are seeking to emulate these repressive practices.

Individuals see their freedoms restricted online, too, including in many European countries.

Authoritarian states

For the third year in a row, China heads the list of culprits, because of its harsh censorship rules and denial of anonymity.

Russia stands accused of using technology to interfere in democratic elections in the US and Europe, and of leading aggressive campaigns to destabilise neighbouring democracies.

#PBC‘s mikercarpenter</a> on Russia's online propaganda capabilities: "Today's Kremlin trolls can impersonate black, white, Native American, gay, straight, male, female, pro-gun, anti-gun, and just about every other conceivable stripe of American voter." <a href="https://t.co/PVcMScDgvo">https://t.co/PVcMScDgvo</a></p>— Penn Biden Center (PennBiden) November 10, 2017

At home, things aren’t much better. Blogs with more than 3,000 visits per day must register with the state, or face being blocked by search engines.

In Turkey, 6,000 people are employed to counter criticism of the government on social media.

An “army of keyboards” are paid 8.5 euros per day in the Philippines to provide online support for Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

#NetFreedom2017
3 worst abusers of internet freedom
China
Syria
Ethiopia

3 biggest declines
Ukraine
Egypt
Turkey

US also declined https://t.co/EWxrZzG42E by freedomhousedc</a> <a href="https://t.co/IfgZtpSYMs">pic.twitter.com/IfgZtpSYMs</a></p>— Jim Murphy (jimmurphySF) November 14, 2017

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