Global Press Freedom Declines to Lowest Level in 25 Years Amid Authoritarian Pressure
Press freedom worldwide has reached its lowest point in 25 years, according to the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The index reveals that less than 1% of the global population now lives in countries where press freedom is considered 'good', a significant drop from 20% in 2002. The decline is attributed to the expansion of restrictive legal measures, particularly national security laws, which have been used to criminalize journalism. The report highlights that political hostility, economic pressures, and under-regulated online platforms are major contributors to this decline. The United States has also seen a drop in its press freedom ranking, now placed at 64th, influenced by President Trump's policies and rhetoric against the media. The report also notes the impact of the Trump administration's decision to cut funding to the US Agency for Global Media, affecting organizations like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. 
