Two steps backwards: Iranians surfing the Web at an Internet cafe. Freedom House said the setbacks were especially noticeable in the Middle East, reversing gains seen in the Arab Spring.
WASHINGTON: Global online freedom declined for a fifth consecutive year as more governments stepped up electronic surveillance and clamped down on dissidents using blogs or social media, a survey showed.
The annual report by non-government watchdog Freedom House said the setbacks were especially noticeable in the Middle East, reversing gains seen in the Arab Spring.
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