Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has warned of a significant global decline in press freedom in its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, citing growing political pressure, restrictive laws and increasing attacks on journalists.
RSF said more than half of the world’s countries are now classified as having a “difficult” or “very serious” press freedom environment, the lowest global average recorded in the Index’s 25-year history.
Key findings included:
- Norway retained first place for the tenth consecutive year, while Eritrea ranked last for a third straight year.
- The United States fell seven places to 64th amid political pressure on media organisations.
- Syria recorded the largest improvement, rising 36 places following political changes after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
- RSF said the legal environment for journalism deteriorated in 110 countries between 2025 and 2026.
Anne Bocandé, RSF Editorial Director, said the increasing use of national security laws, lawsuits and censorship was contributing to the global erosion of press freedom.
ℹ️ Reporters Without Borders, Euronews
Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ughInstagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh
tut0ugh 