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** Global Expression Report 2025 is here
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Dear John,

Far more people are experiencing a deepening decline in freedom of expression than are seeing advances in their freedoms, reveals this year's Global Expression Report.

The data this year shows a bleak reality – more than two thirds of us have less freedom of expression now than a decade ago. For every 1 person who has experienced advances in freedom of expression over the last 10 years, 19 people have experienced declines.

In the past year alone, freedom of expression declined in 13 countries and advanced in just 4 countries. Just 15% of us, in only 35 countries, live in countries ranked ‘Open’.

‘This year’s Global Expression Report shows us yet again, that the hard-won gains in our rights are slipping away. Populist leaders find it increasingly easy to undermine our rights – to protest, to access independent media and to speak truth to power.’

‘The authoritarian playbook is global, and it is plain for all to see. Discredit the media. Attack minorities. Twist the meaning of ‘free speech’ to silence critics and entrench power.’ – Quinn McKew, Executive Director, ARTICLE 19

This year, Argentina experienced the largest global drop in its freedom of expression score, declining 19 points as president Javier Milei routinely attacked the media, criminalised protests, and oversaw the rollback of women and LGBTQI+ rights.

In Europe and Central Asia, Georgia’s score dropped 16 points, amid a clamp-down on protests and civil society organisations, rapid curtailing of civil liberties, and growing ties with Russia.

‘We must call these tactics out for what they are: blatant power-grabs for those who already hold immense and unaccountable power. And we must work harder and faster to reverse the decline in freedom of expression before it is too late. And it really is later than we think.’ – Quinn McKew

Among the few countries experiencing advances, Poland’s score saw the largest single jump (19 points) bringing the country back into the ‘Open’ category – though the recent presidential election result is likely to slow progress.

Guatemala saw a 16-point advance in its score, as the election of Bernardo Arévalo represented a radical shift in the country’s politics, historically dominated by widespread corruption and politically motivated prosecutions.

‘Poland and Guatemala give us hope that change, instigated at a ballot box, is possible. But they’re also an important reminder that any change is a process, with many obstacles and setbacks along the way. They’re a reminder that rights and freedoms must never be taken for granted – the work to reclaim, protect and strengthen them never stops.’ – Quinn McKew


** How does your country compare?
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