Internet Freedoms in Southeast Europe Face Unprecedented Decline | Image Source: balkaninsight.com
22 February 2025 – The state of Internet freedoms in South-Eastern Europe is deteriorating at an alarming rate, as highlighted by the recent Internet site “Rights in the Digital Space 2025”, organised by the Balkan Research Information Network (BIRN) and the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF). The event brought together experts who shed light on the main violations affecting the region, including censorship, online attacks and the increasing use of artificial intelligence to control digital spaces.
What are the main violations in South-Eastern Europe?
According to Ivana Jeremic, digital content directed in BIRN’s digital rights program, the main violations are discrimination, denial of genocide, foreign influence and misinformation. Jérémie pointed out that artificial intelligence has contributed significantly to digital violations, exacerbating existing restrictions on freedom of expression.
Both BIRN and ECPMF submitted reports during the webinar: BIRN 2023-2024 Digital Rights Violations Report and ECPMF Media Freedom Monitoring Report. These reports describe a growing trend towards digital repression, particularly in Turkey, Serbia and Hungary. Online attacks remain the most common method of suppressing press freedom, as noted by ECPMF’s Face Raeker.
Which countries are facing the worst violations of Internet freedom?
Turkey remains one of the most restrictive nations in terms of digital freedoms. Gurkan Ozturan, ECPMF representative and Turkey’s rapporteur for Freedom House on the Net, said the country is still classified as “non-free”. He mentioned the widespread use of draconian laws to censor media and online content, as well as violations of digital privacy rights. The Turkish authorities continue to impose restrictions on press freedoms, thereby limiting access to independent sources of information.
Serbia has also experienced a decline in digital freedom. Mila Bajic of Share Foundation and Freedom House reported that Freedom’s score on the Serbian network fell to 70 points in 2024, scoring its lowest ranking to date. This score places Serbia on the border between being “partly free” and “not free”. This decrease is due to increased government pressure on restrictive digital media and online policies.
How are large technology companies involved?
Large technology companies also play an important role in the area of digital rights. Bojana Kostic, a human rights and technology researcher, noted the power imbalance between technology companies and users. It noted that this growing disparity could have serious consequences for freedom of expression and human rights. The unproven influence of large technology companies can allow governments to exploit digital platforms for censorship and surveillance.
Are journalists the main objectives?
Journalists remain one of the most vulnerable groups in the face of online repression. Teona Sekhniashvili, head of the network and promotion of the International Press Institute (IPI), referred to the case of Mzia Amaglobeli, a Georgian journalist arrested for assaulting a police officer. Amaglobeli criticized the controversial law of “foreign agents” in Georgia, which obliges NGOs receiving foreign funds to register as entities acting in the interest of foreign powers.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republika Srpska authorities are preparing a similar law to eliminate the press and civil liberties. According to Azem Kurtic, BIRN correspondent in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the proposed law gives the Minister of Justice broad powers to qualify individuals and organizations as foreign agents, which could lead to their closure.
The BIRN and CEPMF reports give a disturbing picture of the future of digital rights in South-Eastern Europe. Without intervention, the region can see a greater decrease in Internet freedoms, media protection and digital privacy.
