The 2021 Freedom House Freedom on the Net index revealed that, among 70 nations evaluated, China had the most restricted internet access, earning a mere 10 out of a potential 100 points on the index. Although internet restrictions occur even in the freest countries, some countries have stricter restrictions. Here are 7 countries where you are unlikely to be able to use the Internet freely, at least in the way you are used to in free countries.
Top 7 Countries With Internet Restrictions
1. China
China stands as the world’s leading example of digital censorship, largely infamous due to The Great Firewall. The country’s stringent controls block numerous websites and applications considered as potential threats to the communist regime. To unblock a website in China, you need a good VPN, like VeePN with strong encryption and a developed network of servers. Additionally, messaging services such as WhatsApp are off-limits. Though some VPNs manage to circumvent these restrictions, China’s robust firewall often renders them ineffective. In response, local developers have crafted a tool known as Shadowsocks, designed specifically to dodge these extensive censorship measures.
2. North Korea
North Korea maintains strict control over its internet, making it illegal to use VPNs due to the government’s heavy censorship. The regime allows only a select group of elite officials from the Workers’ Party of Korea to have unrestricted access to the global internet. Some university students might have restricted internet access, yet all their online activities are closely watched and censored. Although smartphones were first introduced in 2002, they faced a ban between 2004 to 2008, until the establishment of a new 3G phone service by Egyptian Orascom Telecom Media and Technology Holding. Interestingly, the limited number of tourists and visitors allowed into the country yearly can access the internet freely through this 3G network.
3. Iran
Over the years, the landscape of internet censorship in Iran has evolved significantly. Back in 2012, the government implemented blocks on numerous websites. During the protests of 2017-2018, which were sparked by rising commodity prices, access to mobile internet sites, including popular social media platforms such as Instagram, was restricted. The situation escalated in 2019 with a complete internet blackout implemented in reaction to demonstrations concerning fuel prices, and similar shutdowns occurred multiple times throughout 2022. Furthermore, the use of VPNs has been prohibited in the country since 2013.
4. Syria
Internet usage in Syria faces significant scrutiny with intense monitoring and restrictions on certain Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Additionally, sanctions from the US have resulted in limitations on accessing various technologies, including updates for software and operating systems. The overall availability of internet connections in Syria is notably constrained, and there’s a system in place to ration internet usage. Individuals found surpassing their designated internet usage face severe repercussions.
5. Russia
VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, aren’t outright banned in Russia, yet they’ve encountered significant regulatory challenges. In a significant move back in 2017, President Vladimir Putin enacted legislation that tightened controls over VPN usage. A consequence of this legislation is a roster of VPN services now inaccessible within the country’s borders, notably prominent names. This blacklist largely targets VPN providers who resisted government mandates to log users’ activities or restrict access to specific websites.
6. Myanmar
In the wake of a significant political shift, which saw Myanmar’s democratic government ousted by a military coup, internet liberties for the citizens have all but disappeared. The subsequent year brought about stringent regulations, most notably with the introduction of a cybersecurity law that outlawed the use of VPNs, making violation of this law punishable by incarceration. Furthermore, the government has imposed rigorous censorship over internet usage, allowing only the access to sites it has sanctioned.
7. Cuba
The internet in Cuba faces significant restrictions and oversight by the government, with only about 18% of the Cuban population having internet access. Those who are able to connect often endure sluggish and inconsistent speeds. Government regulation extends over the internet infrastructure, and while social media platforms aren’t outright prohibited, they fall under close government surveillance.
Conclusion
The listed countries have tightened the use of web services and applications the most for their residents, but this is not a death sentence. Countries may receive a rating indicating that they have prohibited certain practices or services; however, it’s common for inhabitants to find alternative methods to bypass these prohibitions, such as utilizing VPNs or accessing mirror websites. Even in the most closed countries of the world, VPN is a salvation and sometimes the only opportunity to communicate with the world and use locally prohibited services.