Digital freedom is contested worldwide. Authoritarian states censor the web, deploy surveillance technology, and export tools of control, while democracies debate how to keep the online space open, secure, and rights-respecting. This hub follows that struggle: online censorship and its spread, state surveillance and its export, the resilience of the open internet under pressure, and the technologies that help citizens communicate and organize under repressive regimes. Defending open networks means countering both censorship and surveillance at once. Fellows and analysts examine how democracies can protect the open internet and counter digital authoritarianism from Moscow, Beijing, and beyond. Explore analysis and commentary on digital freedom, internet censorship, and online rights.
Digital Freedom
US federal lawmakers are at a standstill, depending on limited executive orders. Europe and US states are racing ahead.
No Result Found
October 15, 2024
Germany in the Crosshairs of Russia’s Information War
The Kremlin targets Germany with online disinformation campaigns seeking to entice, divide and confuse. It is succeeding, writes the former NATO Assistant Secretary General, in the first of his two articles.
October 8, 2024
Europe’s New Tech Commissioner Actually Likes Tech
Finland’s Henna Virkkunen will be leading European tech policy for the next five years. Expect a change in direction.
October 1, 2024
The Danish D9+ Answer to Europe’s Digital Challenges: More Denmark
Denmark is a digital champion, pro-tech, pro-European Single Market, and home to a strong private sector. The Danes also love rules.
September 20, 2024
Wake Up Sleeping Europe
A new European Commission is forming. Its new buzzword is competitiveness.
September 11, 2024
A New England Yankee Tells America’s Story
Disappointed by the government’s lack of action, a former US Senator has taken up the information struggle through a YouTube channel for ordinary Russians.
September 9, 2024
Draghi Dilemma: Should Madrid Allow Saudi Investment in Telefonica?
Saudi Arabia wants a stake in Spain’s incumbent telecom operator. Mario Draghi’s awaited report on European competitiveness wants to attract investment — but at what cost?
September 3, 2024
UN Threatens Internet Freedom, Privacy, and Due Process
World leaders head to New York to review a Russian-led United Nations Cybercrime treaty. Strangely, the US, Europe, and other democracies may offer support.
August 28, 2024
Europe Struggles to Enforce New Free Speech Rules
The Digital Services Act represents the democratic world’s most ambitious effort to regulate social media. It's off to a slow start.
August 21, 2024
Russia and China Cheer UN Cybercrime Convention
The UN Cybercrime Convention is a win for digital authoritarianism. The US, European and like-minded countries must fight.