Global internet freedom is facing a concerning decline as highlighted in the recent 2023 Freedom on the Net report published by the U.S.-based nonprofit organization, Freedom House. The report reveals the persistent erosion of internet freedom across 70 countries, pointing to the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in disseminating disinformation and enforcing content censorship, among other factors.
The State of Internet Freedom: A Dismal Picture:
The report’s findings paint a distressing picture, with global internet freedom experiencing its thirteenth consecutive year of decline. Several countries, including Myanmar, the Philippines, and Costa Rica, have witnessed severe limitations on online freedoms during 2023. Furthermore, China retains its position as the country with the lowest levels of internet freedom for the ninth year in a row.
Understanding the Driving Factors:
According to Allie Funk, research director for technology and democracy at Freedom House, there are two primary drivers behind this steady decline in internet freedom. Firstly, the broader decline of democracy, as observed in the assessments conducted by Freedom House, influences internet repression. Secondly, the success of China in exporting its “cyber sovereignty” model plays a significant role. Funk emphasizes that while AI is amplifying digital repression, traditional forms of online suppression have not been replaced by AI but continue alongside it. Unfortunately, Funk predicts a worsening scenario as AI technology becomes increasingly sophisticated.
The Growing Influence of AI in Curtailing Online Freedoms:
AI-driven tools have contributed to the decline of online freedom in two major ways, as identified in the report. Firstly, these tools have been employed with growing sophistication and accessibility to propagate disinformation. In the past year alone, at least 16 countries have exploited AI technology to sow doubt, manipulate public discourse, and tarnish opponents. Secondly, AI has bolstered content censorship efficiency, with 22 countries demanding the removal of content deemed politically, socially, or religiously unacceptable through local laws.
Case Study: India’s Use of AI-based Content Moderation:
India’s passage of a law in 2021 requiring social media companies to implement AI-based moderation tools showcases the dangerous potential of AI in perpetuating censorship. Under this law, platforms like YouTube and Twitter are compelled to remove content declared illegal under local regulations. Funk mentions an incident where the Indian government ordered YouTube and Twitter to restrict access to a BBC documentary investigating the role of Prime Minister Modi in communal violence. With automated systems in place, censorship persists indefinitely, enabling the blocking of any post referring to the documentary.
Exploring Opportunities for Expanding Internet Freedom:
While AI’s impact on repressing online freedoms is concerning, Funk believes that the technology can also be harnessed to expand internet freedom. She highlights the example of Geneva, an AI-based system that actively explores ways to bypass internet censorship. To unlock the potential of AI, regulations must be established to ensure its safe and fair operation.
Initiatives for Preserving Freedom:
To combat declining online freedom, governments, companies, and civil society must collaborate and take decisive action. Funk suggests a promising approach could involve regulating the sale of surveillance technologies from democratic countries to those governments that would employ them to curtail civil and political liberties. The executive order signed by President Biden in March, limiting federal agencies’ use of commercial spyware, represents a positive step in this direction. Freedom House advocates for policymakers to collaborate with global civil society experts in establishing human rights-based standards for AI tools developed or deployed by state and nonstate actors.
Preserving freedom of expression in the digital realm demands vigorous protection through legal and regulatory frameworks. The findings of the 2023 Freedom on the Net report underscore the essential role AI plays in the decline of global internet freedom. While AI can be a powerful tool to enhance online freedoms, precautions must be taken to ensure its responsible use. By combining efforts between governments, companies, and civil society, we can aspire to create a digital landscape that respects and upholds internet freedom as a fundamental right for all.
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