Internationally: Looking Outside The US

Listed as fourth in the World Free Press Index, Sweden has a history of advancements in press freedom. They have also criminalized defamation and public statements that threaten or disrespect an identity group. 

 Republic of South Africa’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, but they have limitations. This does not protect war propaganda, inciting violence, or advocating hatred based on identity.

In 2021, Mexican Senate Majority Leader Ricardo Monreal proposed a bill that would censor social media and restrict free speech, on to of the violence journalists already face in Mexico.

Recently, journalists, bloggers, and activists in Egypt have been harassed, arrested, and jailed in increasing numbers. Freedom of expression and access to information is being increasingly restricted.

The Constitution of India guarantees freedom of expression, but subject to "reasonable restrictions." Yet an 18 year old schoolboy was arrested for posting an "offensive" photo of the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh,  Yogi Adityanath.

Section 14 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 specifically protects freedom of expression by including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and opinions.

The government's hold on speech and press is growing increasingly tighter, now blocking Facebook and other major foreign news outlets, forcing many Independent news outlets to shut down in Russia.

The 1982 constitution guarantees freedom of speech; however, the Chinese government uses certain clauses of law to imprison those who speak out against the government.

All news and press is controlled by the government in North Korea, making it the most censored nation in the world.

The constitution guarantees every citizen “the right to freely profess and practice religion," however, the Burmese government and military continuously commit religious freedom violations.

Though freedom of expression is protected in the constitution, a new decree from the Cuban government severely restricts freedom of expression online and threatens users’ privacy

Censorship is prohibited in the constitution, however, there are laws that make insulting the president punishable by up to five years in prison, and another that makes criticizing Belarus abroad punishable by up to two years in prison.