Context:
A new global survey by The Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank, has ranked India 24th out of the 33 countries surveyed on the question of support for free speech. Its report, titled ‘Who in the World Supports Free Speech?’ states that “while abstract support for free speech remains strong, commitment to protecting controversial speech is eroding in many parts of the world.”
Global Context
The survey ranks 33 countries on public support for free speech.
- Scandinavia leads
- Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) at the top.
- Trend:
- Support for free speech declining since 2021, especially in democratic countries (notably U.S., Israel, Japan).
- Some authoritarian-leaning countries show strong popular support, despite restrictive governments.
India’s Ranking and Score
- India placed 24th out of 33, with a score of 62.6.
- Positioned between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).
- Countries with most improvement: Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) — though still lower in rankings.
Key Findings on India
a) Contradictions and Disconnect
- High public support for free speech in theory, but
- Support for protecting controversial speech (especially criticism of government policies) is very low.
- 37% of Indians agree that governments should be able to prevent criticism of government policies — the highest among all surveyed nations.
- By contrast:
- U.K. (5%) and Denmark (3%) showed minimal support for such restrictions.
- By contrast:
b) Disconnect Between Public Sentiment and Reality
- Although Indians believe free speech conditions have improved, international observers and rankings indicate worsening conditions in India.
- India joins Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) in showing high public support but low actual protection of free speech.
- The report identifies these countries as examples of democratic backsliding, where public attitudes are disconnected from actual freedom levels.
Public Perception vs. Observers’ Assessment
- Many Indians report feeling that their ability to speak freely on political matters has improved.
- Observers and global freedom indexes, however, contradict this, pointing to increasing restrictions and censorship in India.
Conclusions from the Report
- Abstract support for free speech remains strong globally, but the willingness to defend controversial or dissenting speech is weakening.
- In India, the paradox is most evident:
- People express support for free speech but simultaneously endorse government censorship of criticism.
- This indicates growing authoritarian tendencies and political polarisation, with freedom of expression becoming conditional rather than absolute.
- Overall, the findings raise concerns over democratic erosion and the sustainability of free expression in India and similar nations.
Source: TH
