which countries impose the most bans and where does Argentina occupy

Currently 4.66 billion people – 60% of the world’s population – connect to the Internet every day. And although the myth says that the web is synonymous with freedom, in many countries they apply partial checks on the service and on others, direct censorship. A study analyzes what are the main restrictions that governors adopt.

In this study by Comparitech 175 countries were analyzed, including Argentina. Only a few territories enjoy absolute autonomy. Locally, conditions reach 27%, a fairly high figure for the region.

Between the most common bans appear the veto of torrent networks, the abolition of pornography, social networks, VPNs and messaging / VoIP applications. In addition, the digital ban of certain political parties. These six criteria are used as a classification parameter.

Thus, each country receives a point if the content (torrents, pornography, media, social networks, VPN, VoIP) is restricted but accessible and two if it is prohibited. The higher the score, the less autonomy it will have.

In some cases, even if the country has prohibited access to one of these areas, residents can find ways around these violations, like with VPN or torrent. However, as the country applies the blockade, it is considered negative.

The maximum possible is 11 points and the only one that brings together this unfortunate brand is China. Behind its borders, users cannot use Western social networks, watch pornography, use torrents or VPNs.

All political media published in the country are heavily censored and influenced by the government. Overseas messaging apps are closed, forcing residents to use those created inside.

Below is Iran with 10 points and the field with eight is made up of Belarus, Qatar, Syria, Thailand, Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates, with a mix of partial limitations with closures complete with certain services.

Censorship in Argentina

Argentina’s score it is only 3 points out of 11. And although this is a weak record, when compared to the rest of the countries in the region, it is doing less well.

The best score is obtained by Peru, Paraguay, Chile and Uruguay, all with one point and no restrictions in sight. While at the other extreme appears Venezuela with 6.

Some data that provides a better picture.

• Argentina is the only country that actively block torrent sites, while Venezuela is the only one to restrict online pornography.
• Political media are heavily censored in Venezuela with persistent attempts to control news and silence independent media.
• While none of the countries have restrictions or ban the use of VPNs, only Ecuador and Venezuela have strong control over social media.
• Only three countries have restricted messaging / VoIP applications (Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela). In addition to the ban on VoIP applications by Brazil’s largest ISP, a bill threatened to require traceability of private messaging.

In the northern part of the continent, Canada, Mexico and the United States have banned or closed torrent sites. Cuba is the only country that restricts online pornography, heavily censors its political media, and restricts VPNs.

SL