US falls below Ukraine in press freedom as global autocracy takes hold
Norway has retained its position as the country with the highest press freedom in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, while the United States fell to 64th place, now ranking below Ukraine and several other democracies. Global press freedom has declined to its lowest average score in 25 years, with over half of the world’s countries classified as having 'difficult' or 'very serious' conditions for journalism. The report highlights increasing repression in the Americas and Asia, with China remaining one of the worst offenders and the largest jailer of journalists worldwide.
- ▪Norway ranks first in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, continuing its decade-long lead in press freedom.
- ▪The United States fell seven places to 64th, now ranking below Ukraine, Canada, and several African and Latin American nations.
- ▪For the first time, over half of the 180 countries surveyed fall into the 'difficult' or 'very serious' categories for press freedom.
- ▪China ranks 178th out of 180 countries and is the world’s largest jailer of journalists, with over 100 currently detained.
- ▪Reporters Without Borders reports that journalists in the US face increasing threats under President Donald Trump’s administration, including funding cuts and politically motivated investigations.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Norway wins again US falls below Ukraine in press freedom as global autocracy takes hold “In 25 years, the average score… has never been so low.” Nate Anderson – Apr 30, 2026 5:53 pm | 30 Credit: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav From watching too much Nordic noir, I have learned the key lessons to Scandinavian safety: Stay out of the deep woods, avoid all “rustic villagers,” flee every solstice or equinox ritual, and run screaming from any creature (human or otherwise) wearing antlers in the wrong anatomical location. But assuming you can avoid pagan magic and the “old gods,” Nordic countries do well on many other measures of human development.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Ars Technica - All content.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Ars Technica - All content
