50 Key Stats About Freedom of the Internet Around the World – Private Internet Access VPN

Report on Internet Freedom and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Internet freedom is a critical component of modern society, influencing communication, education, governance, and economic development. This report emphasizes the importance of internet freedom in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting key statistics and trends worldwide.

Digital Rights and Global Internet Usage

Digital Population Overview

• As of January 2021, 4.66 billion people (59.5% of the global population) were active internet users.
• Mobile internet users accounted for 92.6% of active users, highlighting the importance of mobile connectivity.
• Social media users reached 4.2 billion, with 98.8% accessing via mobile devices.

Growth Trends

• Between July 2020 and July 2021, the internet gained 257 million new users (5.7% annual growth).
• Social media users increased by 13.1%, adding 520 million new users.
• Unique mobile users grew by 117 million (2.3% annual growth).

European Union Internet Usage

• In 2019, 94% of EU young adults (16-29 years) accessed the internet daily; 77% of the adult population did so.
• Mobile phone or portable computer internet access was at 73% among adults.
• Internet privacy concerns were significant, with 61% of EU individuals worried about online monitoring.

Digital Rights Protection by Tech Companies

• Microsoft led in digital rights protection in 2019, followed by Google and Verizon Media.
• Only 8 of 24 major tech companies scored above 50% in protecting digital rights.

Digital Trade Restrictions

• Kazakhstan, China, Saudi Arabia, India, South Africa, and Russia impose significant digital trade barriers.
• Countries like Canada, Norway, and the US have fewer restrictions, facilitating digital trade.

Addressing the Digital Gender Gap

• As of 2015, 200 million fewer women owned mobile phones compared to men.
• Women represent only 6% of app developers and 25% of computing occupations in the US.
• Efforts to close this gap align with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Digital Preparedness in the EU

• Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands lead in digital performance.
• 42% of the EU population lacks basic digital skills, highlighting the need for inclusive education (SDG 4).
• Public administration online form submissions increased to 67% in 2019.

Freedom of Information

Global Adoption of Freedom of Information Laws

• 112 countries have enacted Freedom of Information laws as of 2016.
• The United Nations designated September 28 as Access to Information Day to promote transparency (SDG 16).

Freedom of Information Requests

• UK government received 49,439 requests in 2019, responding on time in 93% of cases.
• Australian government received 41,333 requests in 2019-2020, with 33.21% granted in full.
• Transparency in public information supports accountable governance (SDG 16).

Media Freedom Trends

• Global media freedom declined in 2016 and further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
• Countries like Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands rank highest in press freedom.
• Media freedom is essential for informed societies and democratic participation (SDG 16).

Public Opinion on Freedom of Expression

• Americans show higher acceptance of diverse forms of expression compared to global averages.
• Worldwide, 80% support free criticism of government policies.

Rights to Internet Access

Internet Access as a Human Right

• Nearly half of global respondents in 2014 strongly agreed that internet access is a basic human right.
• Support is strongest in developing regions, aligning with SDG 10 and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Regional Internet Access Disparities

• North America (94%), Australia/New Zealand (93%), and the EU (87%) lead in internet usage.
• South Asia (21%) and sub-Saharan Africa (31%) lag significantly.
• Rural areas worldwide have lower internet access compared to urban areas, highlighting infrastructure gaps.

Household Internet Access Trends

• British households with internet access increased from 83% in 2013 to 96% in 2020.
• Turkey showed dramatic improvement from 7.7% in 2005 to 90.7% in 2020.
• Access to online learning remains a challenge; in the US, 8% of households with children lacked consistent computer access in 2020.

Freedom from Internet Censorship

Global Internet Freedom Rankings

• Iceland ranks highest in internet freedom, followed by Estonia, Canada, and Germany.
• Countries like China, Iran, and Syria rank lowest, facing extensive censorship.

Censorship Impact

• Only 24% of global internet users can freely express themselves online.
• 67% live in countries where government criticism is censored.
• Blogging on political or social issues can lead to imprisonment in many countries.

Public Concern and Censorship Methods

• 64% of people worldwide are concerned about government internet censorship.
• Common censorship includes blocking websites, social media platforms, and communication apps.
• Internet shutdowns are used as political control tactics, affecting social and economic activities.

Use of VPNs to Circumvent Censorship

• VPN usage is highest in Indonesia, India, and Turkey.
• Main reasons include accessing entertainment, social networks, anonymity, and communication.

Net Neutrality

Global Net Neutrality Legislation

• Chile was the first country to enact net neutrality laws in 2010.
• Brazil, Argentina, the EU, India, and the US have implemented regulations to protect net neutrality.

Public Opinion on Net Neutrality

• European consumers support traffic management for stability but are cautious about prioritizing certain data.
• In the US, 57% supported net neutrality regulations in 2017.
• Understanding of net neutrality has increased among Americans since 2014.

Economic and Social Impacts

• Net neutrality has fostered innovation, economic growth, and job creation in the technology sector.
• No negative impact on telecom infrastructure investment has been observed.
• Lobbying efforts by ISPs and tech companies have influenced net neutrality debates.

Conclusion

Internet freedom is integral to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Despite progress, disparities in access, censorship, and digital rights persist globally.

Efforts to expand internet access, protect digital rights, ensure freedom of information, and uphold net neutrality are essential to fostering inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development worldwide. Continued advocacy and policy development are required to make internet freedom a universal reality.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Access to online learning and digital skills development are discussed, highlighting the importance of internet access for education.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Addressing the digital gender gap in internet access and technology creation.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Focus on digital infrastructure, internet access, and innovation in telecommunications.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Issues of unequal internet access between regions, urban and rural areas, and socio-economic groups.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Freedom of information, freedom of expression, internet censorship, and digital rights protections.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Collaboration among governments, tech companies, and international organizations to promote internet freedom and net neutrality.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment and entrepreneurship.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.b: Encourage official development assistance and financial flows, including foreign direct investment, to states where the need is greatest, including least developed countries, in order to address inequalities.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.8: Fully operationalize the technology bank and science, technology and innovation capacity-building mechanism for least developed countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Internet Access and Usage Indicators
   • Percentage of individuals using the internet globally and by region.
   • Percentage of households with internet access (urban vs rural).
   • Growth rates of active internet and social media users.
   • Percentage of population with basic digital skills.
2. Digital Gender Gap Indicators
   • Difference in internet and mobile phone ownership between men and women.
   • Percentage of women in ICT occupations and as app developers.
3. Freedom of Information and Expression Indicators
   • Number and percentage of Freedom of Information requests granted or refused.
   • Freedom House Internet Freedom Index scores by country.
   • World Press Freedom Index rankings and changes over time.
   • Percentage of internet users able to freely express themselves online.
   • Incidents of internet censorship, website blocking, and internet shutdowns.
4. Net Neutrality Indicators
   • Number of countries with net neutrality laws.
   • Public support percentages for net neutrality regulations.
   • Incidents of ISP throttling or preferential treatment of content providers.
   • Lobbying expenditures related to net neutrality policies.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: privateinternetaccess.com