In its annual Freedom on the Net report, Freedom House has revealed that global internet freedom has declined for the 13th consecutive year. This decline is attributed not only to traditional means of repression but also to the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). The report, which examined 70 countries accounting for 88% of the world’s internet users, sheds light on the concerning state of online expression and democracy worldwide.
AI’s role in escalating internet repression
The report’s co-author, Allie Funk, emphasized that advances in AI over the past year have deepened the crisis for internet freedom. While AI holds promise in various sectors, its uptake has led to a scale and efficiency in digital repression that threatens the internet’s openness. Surveillance, censorship, and disinformation are among the challenges exacerbated by AI technologies.
Hopes for chatbots to circumvent repression dashed
Initially, there was hope that chatbots, powered by AI, would enable individuals to access uncensored information and bypass state-controlled narratives. However, the reality has proven to be quite different. Governments are now taking measures to control chatbots and their output. This includes blocking access to chatbots, manipulating their responses to align with state narratives, and compelling companies to use AI for content removal at an unprecedented pace.
China leads in controlling AI chatbots
China stands out as a leader in controlling AI chatbots. Companies like Baidu and Alibaba must enforce strict content controls on their generative AI chatbots, ensuring compliance with government-defined standards of “truth, accuracy, objectivity, and diversity” in training data. Consequently, on sensitive issues such as Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tiananmen Square, these chatbots either propagate state propaganda or remain silent.
China’s Broader Internet Repression
China’s manipulation of AI chatbots is just one facet of its extensive internet repression system. The Chinese government’s censorship and surveillance apparatus is unparalleled, leading to the incarceration of journalists and critics and the erasure of critical content from the internet.
Chinese government’s response
The Chinese Embassy in Washington denies allegations of internet repression, asserting that China’s internet environment is “free, open, and orderly.” They claim that managing the internet per the law safeguards citizens’ and companies’ rights and interests.
Elections as a flashpoint for digital repression
Around the world, elections have become a flashpoint for digital repression. Incumbent leaders in countries like Cambodia and Turkey seek to control the flow of information to influence electoral outcomes. This trend is expected to be particularly concerning in 2024, as major elections loom in India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States, making transparency and regulation of AI companies critical.
2024: A defining year for democracy
Nobel laureate Maria Ressa warns that the fate of democracy will be decided by the end of 2024. The challenges to internet freedom and democratic processes are expected to intensify, requiring proactive measures to safeguard democratic principles.
Positive developments amidst the grim outlook
Despite the grim assessment of internet freedom, some positive developments have occurred. Efforts to reduce the use of spyware have gained momentum, with U.S. President Joe Biden signing an executive order to limit government agencies’ use of commercial spyware that could threaten national security or human rights.
Global technologists and the resilience of citizens
Technologists worldwide are mobilizing to counter censorship and surveillance, offering hope for the future. Additionally, despite oppressive environments, citizens like those in China have displayed remarkable resilience. Recent protests against China’s strict zero-COVID policy led to a rare policy reversal at the national level, illustrating that people continue to seek avenues to express themselves and advocate for change.
The 13th consecutive decline in global internet freedom, as Freedom House reported, highlights AI’s growing impact on digital repression. Governments’ control over AI chatbots, particularly exemplified by China, underscores the need for increased regulation and transparency. As crucial elections approach in 2024, the global community faces a defining moment in the struggle to uphold democratic values and preserve internet freedom.
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