Global press freedom has dropped to its lowest level in 25 years, according to a new report released on Thursday by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
The report raised new concerns over rising attacks on journalism and a shrinking civic space globally. Tracking media freedom across countries, it warned that more than half of the world now falls into “difficult” or “very serious” categories, signalling a historic decline in global press freedom.
“For the first time in the Index’s 25-year history, more than half the world’s countries now fall into the ‘difficult’ or ‘very serious’ categories for press freedom,” the organisation said in a statement.
RSF noted that the average global score for press freedom has reached its lowest point since the index was launched, with less than one per cent of the world’s population now living in countries classified as having a “good” press freedom environment.
Only a handful of Northern European nations, led by Norway, remain in that category.
The report cited growing political pressure, economic constraints, and security threats as key factors driving the decline.
The watchdog pointed to policies under U.S. President Donald Trump as contributing to a worsening media climate, describing his actions as a “systematic policy” of attacking journalists.
The United States dropped further in global rankings to 64th position, with RSF citing incidents including the detention and deportation of journalist Mario Guevara and funding cuts to international broadcasting.
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin’s administration was accused of using anti-terrorism and extremism laws to silence the media, with at least 48 journalists reportedly imprisoned as of April 2026.
RSF also highlighted Saudi Arabia over the execution of a journalist in 2025, describing it as part of a broader crackdown on press freedom.
The report identified Niger as recording the steepest decline in 2026, dropping 37 places amid increasing repression under military rule.
RSF warned that the wider Sahel region continues to face deteriorating press conditions, driven by armed conflict, political instability, and restrictions imposed by ruling juntas.
The organisation stressed that the global decline reflects a dangerous trend of governments tightening control over information, often under the guise of national security or political stability.
It warned that sustained attacks on media independence could undermine democratic systems and limit citizens’ access to balanced and reliable information.
