According to the latest annual report from the research group Freedom House, internet freedom has declined in both the United States and Germany, contributing to a global downturn for the 15th consecutive year .
The "Freedom on the Net 2025" report from Washington-based Freedom House found that conditions for internet freedom are worsening on a global scale . This marks the 15th straight year of overall decline, with repression intensifying in authoritarian states and new concerning trends emerging in democracies . The report's authors note a specific trend in 2025 of "closing civic space" in some democracies and "deepening restrictions" on online content in others across North America and Western Europe .
The United States saw its score fall by three points to 73 out of 100, its lowest-ever level of internet freedom . The report points to actions by the Trump administration, including the detention of non-U.S. citizens over their online expression . Secretary of State Marco Rubio's vows to deport individuals for statements made about Israel, decisions which are being challenged in courts, were also cited as a factor in the decline . These actions are part of a broader pattern, as the administration has also targeted academic institutions and used immigration enforcement against foreign students and scholars for their perceived political speech .
Germany's score also declined by three points, landing at 74 . The report identifies two key factors: growing self-censorship among internet users and the zealous enforcement of laws that prohibit hate speech and defamation . As an example, Freedom House highlighted a case where the editor of a far-right website received a suspended jail sentence and a fine for a social media post that used a manipulated image to criticize a politician . The German government maintains that its history makes such safeguards critical, though the Trump administration has repeatedly criticized Germany's approach to free speech .
The most severe declines in internet freedom were registered in Kenya, Venezuela, and Georgia . In a positive development, Bangladesh saw the most significant improvement after a new government formed following a student revolt loosened previous restrictions . Freedom House, the organization behind the report, was founded during World War II to promote democracy and was historically funded largely by the U.S. government . Upon returning to office, the Trump administration slashed funding to rights groups, including Freedom House, which has led to staff layoffs within the organization .