Global internet freedom has declined for the 15th consecutive year, according to a newly released report, with Taiwan ranking best in Asia and seventh worldwide, while China and Myanmar remain the most restrictive. The “Freedom on the Net” survey, published by Washington-based non-profit Freedom House on Wednesday, found that Iceland continues to lead as the world’s freest nation online. 

The report noted that both the U.S. and Germany recorded lower internet freedom scores for the past year, reflecting a worldwide trend in restrictions in democratic as well as authoritarian states. The U.S. dropped to an all-time low of 73 out of 100, partly due to moves by authorities to detain foreign nationals over online speech, while Germany’s score fell to 74 amid rising self-censorship and strict enforcement of laws against hate speech and defamation. 

The report cited worsening online repression among authoritarian governments, which see internet control as key to maintaining power. However, the report’s co-author, Kian Vesteinsson, observed that even democracies are showing signs of shrinking civic space, with new efforts to curb hateful or controversial speech.

Kenya, Venezuela, and Georgia saw some of the largest declines, with Kenya temporarily shutting down the internet during protests. Meanwhile, countries such as Serbia and Nicaragua were downgraded in status, though Bangladesh improved following reforms. Taiwan received a score of 79, the highest in Asia, while China and Myanmar ranked lowest globally with just 9 points each.