Paris
Press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years, according to the latest report from Reporters Without Borders.
The organisation warns that more than half of the world’s countries are now classified in the “difficult” or “very serious” categories, marking a historic decline in global media freedom.
The report highlights growing political pressure, legal restrictions, and violence against journalists across multiple regions. It cites the United States, under Donald Trump, as an example of increasing hostility toward the press, including what RSF describes as systematic attacks on journalists and restrictions affecting media operations.
RSF also points to deteriorating conditions in several other countries. In Russia, the watchdog says authorities have used laws related to extremism and national security to detain journalists, with dozens reportedly imprisoned as of April 2026. In parts of Africa, including Niger, the situation has worsened sharply due to political instability and armed conflict.
The report notes that the share of the global population living in countries with “good” press freedom has dropped dramatically to less than one percent, with only a small group of Northern European countries maintaining high standards.
RSF says the decline reflects a broader global trend of weakening democratic safeguards and increasing control over information. It warns that financial pressures on media organisations, alongside political interference and physical threats, are contributing to the erosion of independent journalism worldwide.
The organisation calls the situation unprecedented in its 25-year history, urging governments to strengthen protections for journalists and uphold press freedom as a core democratic principle.
