India has been ranked 24th out of 33 in free speech support according to a recent survey, amid declining commitment to controversial speech protection globally. While many Indians prioritize free expression, a high percentage endorses government censorship on criticism, revealing a significant disconnect in attitudes toward free speech.
A recent global survey by The Future of Free Speech, an independent think tank based in the United States, has ranked India 24th out of 33 nations regarding support for free speech. The report, titled ‘Who in the World Supports Free Speech?’ indicates that while general support for free speech remains strong, the commitment to protecting controversial speech is diminishing globally.
Conducted in October 2024, the survey highlighted that more countries experienced declines in free speech support since 2021, with notable drops in democratic countries such as the United States, Israel, and Japan. Scandinavia led the rankings, with Norway and Denmark achieving top scores of 87.9 and 87.0, respectively. India scored 62.6, placing it between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).
The survey findings reveal that although many Indians value free expression, support for criticizing government policies fell below the global average. Remarkably, 37% of Indian respondents agreed that governments should restrict criticism of their policies, which was the highest percentage recorded among the participating countries. In comparison, only 5% of respondents in the United Kingdom and 3% in Denmark supported this viewpoint.
Typically, countries that embrace free speech witness greater freedom of expression in practice. However, India diverges from this trend. The report identifies India, Hungary, and Venezuela as examples where robust popular support for free speech exists, yet actual legal protections are minimal—indicative of democratic backsliding.
Regarding perceptions of free speech in the past year, Indians, alongside South Africans, believe they have experienced significant gains. Nevertheless, external assessments indicate that the free speech situation in India has worsened. Jacob Mchangama, Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech, emphasizes that free speech entails a culture of open debate and tolerance for dissent, noting that threats to defend controversial opinions are diminishing, even as formal protections may remain strong.
In summary, the recent survey by The Future of Free Speech has positioned India at 24th out of 33 countries concerning free speech support. While many Indians value free expression, concerning governmental criticism, a significant proportion approves of restrictions, showcasing a troubling trend. The report elucidates the disconnect between societal attitudes and actual protections, particularly in the context of democratic backsliding prevalent in several nations.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
