TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan ranks as Asia’s freest country for internet access amid a global decline in digital rights, according to “Freedom on the Net 2025,” released at a virtual launch Thursday.
Scoring 79 out of 100, Taiwan placed seventh worldwide for internet freedom, reflecting strong protections for online expression and minimal censorship. It comes at a time, the Freedom House authors said, when many governments have increased surveillance and restricted online speech.
The study said Taiwan achieved this despite pressure from China. Subtitled “An Uncertain Future for the Global Internet,” the report highlights Taiwan’s commitment to democratic values and human rights in the digital sphere.
A summary said officials and civil society groups continue to promote transparency and resist excessive content controls. Challenges remain, including occasional nontransparent website blocks.
“The information landscape was characterized by affordable internet access and diverse content, and Taiwanese groups continued to take innovative action to counter the impact of influence operations originating in China,” the report stated.
It added, “Several people were arrested or charged under the Social Order Maintenance Act for sharing purportedly false information online; no one was sentenced to imprisonment under the law.”
Among the key findings of the report globally, it was found that conditions had deteriorated in 28 out of 72 countries assessed. At the same time, 17 countries registered overall gains.
Freedom House is a US-based nonprofit founded in 1941 for the stated purpose of promoting democracy, political freedom, and human rights.
