Global Press Freedoms Hit 50-Year Low in 2025, Report Warns

A report by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) revealed that the decline in Press Freedom has caused global press freedoms to fall to their lowest level in 50 years. Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, and South Korea saw the sharpest declines. This raises alarms about democratic health worldwide, per AFP.

The IDEA report, covering 2019 to 2024, found that 54% of countries experienced declines in key democracy indicators. Press freedom suffered the most. “We’ve never seen such an acute deterioration,” said IDEA Secretary General Kevin Casas-Zamora. Press freedoms dropped in 43 countries, including 15 in Africa and 15 in Europe.

South Korea’s decline stemmed from government-led defamation cases and raids on journalists’ homes. Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, and Myanmar, already low performers, faced severe restrictions, per the report.

World Press Freedom Index 2025

1. Norway🇳🇴
2. Estonia🇪🇪
3. Netherlands🇳🇱
4. Sweden🇸🇪
5. Finland🇫🇮
6. Denmark🇩🇰
7. Ireland🇮🇪
8. Portugal🇵🇹
9. Switzerland🇨🇭
10. Czechia🇨🇿
11. Germany🇩🇪
20. UK🇬🇧
21. Canada🇨🇦
23. Spain🇪🇸
25. France🇫🇷
27. RSA🇿🇦
29. Australia🇦🇺
31. Poland🇵🇱
49.… pic.twitter.com/Ig7rAx9dZ5

— Informal Economy (@EconomyInformal) September 8, 2025

Casas-Zamora cited a “toxic brew” of heavy-handed government actions. Some actions were tied to pandemic-era policies and disinformation used as a pretext to curb the media. The consolidation of traditional media and the loss of local outlets further weaken democratic debate, he told AFP.

The report predates the 2025 events, including US President Donald Trump’s return. However, Casas-Zamora warned that US trends could impact global democracy. “What happens in the US goes global,” he said, noting disturbing signs from the 2024 elections and early 2025.

The decline in press freedoms threatens free speech and democratic values worldwide. As governments tighten control and disinformation grows, the loss of local media limits public discourse. This crisis calls for urgent action to protect journalists and media independence.