The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has warned that global press freedom has suffered its steepest decline in half a century. From Afghanistan to South Korea, journalists are facing growing threats ranging from censorship and surveillance to direct crackdowns on media independence.

The watchdog notes that shrinking space for free expression poses a major challenge to democracy worldwide, with governments increasingly targeting independent voices. Analysts warn that without urgent reforms and stronger safeguards, the erosion of press freedom could accelerate democratic backsliding across multiple regions.