The world is experiencing a worrying downward spiral in press freedom, driven by the ongoing wars in multiple regions, the rise of authoritarian regimes, the criminalisation of journalism, and economic instability.
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The world is experiencing a worrying downward spiral in press freedom, driven by the ongoing wars in multiple regions, the rise of authoritarian regimes, the criminalisation of journalism, and economic instability. According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on Thursday, global press freedom is at the lowest in its 25-year history, with more than half of the 180 countries surveyed in its study falling into "difficult" or "very serious" categories. This trend is not restricted to authoritarian regimes; democratic countries are increasingly abusing the law against journalists to stifle independent reporters, notably in the name of combating terrorism, which is eroding the right to information. The United States guarantees freedom of the press from government interference through the First Amendment to the Constitution, but the journalism watchdog (RSF) has stated in its latest report that the country is falling apart under Donald Trump, who has repeatedly attacked "the press and journalists into a systematic policy", pushing the country to 64th place, dropping seven places. India is placed at the 157th position, down from 159th in 2024, ranking lower than its neighbouring countries—Nepal (87), Sri Lanka (134), Bhutan (150), Bangladesh (152), and Pakistan (152)—while above Myanmar (166) and China (178). The report went on to state the legal indicator declined in more than 60 per cent of countries, including India, indicating a rise in the criminalisation of journalism through suppressive laws.
In another report, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has stated that a record 129 journalists were killed in 2025, which is the highest it has documented to date, with Israel alone accounting for two-thirds of the killings. This trend, it said, is "fuelled by a persistent culture of impunity for attacks on the press" and legal abuse even in nations not at war and in supposedly democratic countries. The real problem arises when the state fails to hold the attackers accountable for their actions. Inaction is a form of endorsement. It lays the groundwork for more killings. This apathy should be stopped and radical reform taken to bring perpetrators to justice, and on time. Governments across the world should stop the criminalisation of journalism and frame protection mechanisms strong enough to protect the press. Weakening the press in the form of threats, false implications, and restrictive laws will only weaken democracy and erode public trust.