The percentage of the global population living in countries with a free press has declined to just 14 percent, the lowest level in more than a decade, according to Freedom House. Repressive governments now broadly employ technology to spy on, censor, and disrupt those online. Meanwhile, journalists around the world are being murdered and imprisoned at near-record rates. And the killings and jailings are but a fraction of the damage being done. Beatings, kidnappings, and threats are far more numerous, and can be just as effective at silencing the press.
On this panel, a distinguished group of officials from the United Nations and the Organization of American States will describe the growing pressures against freedom of expression worldwide, the challenges and opportunities facing a free and independent press, and the best strategies of how to respond.
