As of April 2026, Mongolia, with a score of 74 points, holds one of the leading positions in Asia for internet freedom, indicating a relatively open digital environment. However, it also highlights the need for improvements in the protection of digital rights and regulation, as reported by MiddleAsianNews.

Regional position: Mongolia ranks 2nd in Asia for internet freedom.
Global position: With a score of 74 points, Mongolia is on par with several developed democracies, including Germany and Italy, which also scored 74 points.
Score comparison: The maximum possible score is 100, with countries like Iceland (94) and Estonia (91) achieving close figures, while countries with strict censorship, such as China, Russia, and North Korea, have significantly lower scores (often below 10).

As of 2026, Russia is among the countries with the least internet freedom, scoring only 4 points on the Cloudwards index, which is slightly above North Korea's figures. Russian authorities have implemented strict censorship, internet traffic filtering, and restrictions on the use of VPNs and social networks, thereby creating a "digital iron curtain."

According to the new ranking reflecting the level of internet freedom by country in 2026, there is a global decline in scores, which experts believe signals governments' efforts to tighten control over the digital space.

North Korea was recognized as the country with the least internet freedom, receiving 0 points. Following it on this list are Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and China, all with 4 points.

The Kremlin is increasing oversight of the internet space, citing national security concerns and geopolitical tensions, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. These measures are part of a broader strategy to control information and promote state platforms.

The freest countries in terms of internet are recognized as 11 states, each scoring 92 points: Belgium, Costa Rica, East Timor, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Slovakia, and Suriname.

Mongolia, with 74 points, ranked 42nd overall. The United Kingdom scored 52 points, while South Korea scored 32, indicating attempts by local governments to establish control over the digital space.

Published Date:2026-04-13