Countries of Southern Caucasus ahead of Russia in Internet freedom

In the ranking of the human rights organization "Freedom House", Georgia and Armenia are classified as countries with a high level of Internet freedom; they scored more than 70 points out of 100. Azerbaijan and Russia scored 35 and 30 points, respectively, being among the non-free countries.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the US-based "Freedom House" is annually publishing the rating of Internet freedom in different countries of the world.

This year, Georgia has scored 77 points out of 100, one point higher than in 2020. The report has indicated that the improvement in the situation with Internet freedom in Georgia was due, in particular, to the fact that in 2021, there were no arrests related to online activities. However, several cyber attacks and content manipulation have been revealed.

Armenia is also in the category of free countries with 71 points out of 100. The report indicates that the Armenian government has stopped collecting metadata.

Azerbaijan has gained only 35 points out of 100, falling into the category of non-free countries. The report indicates that the situation with the Internet freedom in the country has deteriorated. The state, according to the "Freedom House", controls access to the Internet and blocks social networks. Those who disagree with the authorities' policy and express their opinions on the Internet may be persecuted.

Azerbaijani authorities have achieved, through the courts, blocking of a number of opposition media sites, explaining this by "a threat to the interests of the state and society."

Russia has scored 30 points out of 100, and also ended up in the category of non free countries. It is noted that the inclusion of independent media into the list of foreign agents has hindered their work.