Press freedom worldwide has reached its lowest level in 25 years, according to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The average score for the 180 countries assessed fell to 54.5 points out of 100, down from 55.0 in 2025, marking a continued decline over the past decade.
The index, released on May 1, 2026, highlights growing authoritarian pressure on media, with the number of journalists imprisoned globally rising to 533, up from 521 in 2025. Norway, Denmark, and Sweden top the rankings, while North Korea, Eritrea, and China remain at the bottom. The United States dropped to 55th place, its lowest ever, due to increased attacks on journalists and legal threats.
RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire stated, 'We are witnessing a systematic dismantling of press freedom in many countries, with governments using legal and extra-legal means to silence critical voices.' The report notes a 15% increase in violence against journalists in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, Ukraine, and Myanmar.
Regional declines were most pronounced in the Middle East and North Africa, where the average score fell to 32.1, and in sub-Saharan Africa, which dropped to 41.3. Europe remained the best-performing region with an average of 71.2, though even there, countries like Hungary and Poland saw further erosion.
