FREEDOM ON THE NET 2026 TABLE OF CONTENTS Key Findings..................................................................................................... 1 Freedom on the Net 2026: Seismic Shifts on the Global Internet............... 2 A new era of digital isolation . ................................................................... 3 Age-gating transforms the internet.......................................................... 7 Government transitions drive improvements.......................................... 14 Freedom on the internet of the future..................................................... 17 Policy Recommendations . ............................................................................. 24 What We Measure........................................................................................... 26 Checklist of Questions.................................................................................... 27 Acknowledgements and Sources................................................................... 33 TABLES, CHARTS, AND GRAPHICS How Free Are the World's Internet Users?..................................................... Long-term Internet Blackouts Intensify Crises.............................................. Internet Freedom Under Pressure in Democracies...................................... AI Regulation Starts with Internet Content..................................................... Mass Mobilization Powered by Young People................................................ Freedom on the Net 2026 Map......................................................................... Global Rankings. ................................................................................................... Regional Rankings................................................................................................. 2 4 10 12 16 18 20 22 This report was made possible by the generous support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Google, Internet Society, and The New York Community Trust, as well as through Freedom House’s partnership with Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL). Yana Gorokhovskaia, Cathryn Grothe, Amy Slipowitz, and Grady Vaughan were instrumental in the research and writing of this report. Shannon O’Toole edited the booklet and Jennifer Brody authored the policy recommendations. Jamie Fly and Katie LaRoque provided valuable input. Freedom House is committed to editorial independence. This report’s content is solely the responsibility of the staff of Freedom House and does not represent the views or opinions of its board members or donors. The reporting period for Freedom on the Net 2026 is June 1, 2025—May 31, 2026. ON THE COVER This booklet is a summary of findings for the 2026 edition of Freedom on the Net. Summaries of developments in the 38 countries assessed in this study can be found on our website at freedomonthenet.org. Iranian demonstrators in Washington, DC protest the Iranian government’s internet shutdown. (Photo: Ali Khaligh/ ZUMA Press Wire)