Surfshark
May 3 is World Press Freedom Day — a day celebrating the fundamental principles of press freedom and reminding us of the vital role a free press plays in democracy. Surfshark is marking World Press Freedom Day this year with important insights from the International Press Institute on the current state of press freedom while continuing its support of journalists in need through the Emergency VPN program.
Press freedom: what is it like now?
Press freedom is facing unprecedented challenges around the world. The rise of authoritarianism and a weakening commitment to human rights have placed journalists under intense pressure across nearly every region. From physical violence and legal intimidation to economic hardships, the risks associated with reporting the news have grown significantly.
However, despite the challenges, journalism remains crucial in today’s world. Scott Griffen, Executive Director of the International Press Institute, says: “At the same time, the need for strong, independent journalism has become even more critical: from bringing us accurate news and information from the front lines of conflict to shedding light on corruption, crime and abuses of power — the need for robust, independent, public-interest journalism is greater than ever.”
What challenges lie ahead?
As press freedom faces increasing challenges globally, the future of journalism hangs in the balance. The resilience of independent journalism, bolstered by strong support, is key to preserving the vital role it plays in society.
“While press freedom is under tremendous pressure around the world, we know from IPI’s 75-year history that independent journalism is resilient, provided we give it the support that it needs. This is a time for all those who recognize the fundamental value of the press — media, journalists, civil society, businesses, and states — to stand together in defense of the right to know. On a practical level, it is essential to shore up basic protections for press freedom and journalists’ safety, even in countries with strong track records of media freedom,” emphasizes Scott Griffen.
Media freedom and public trust
To mark World Press Freedom Day, Surfshark is also delving deeper into the issues the free press faces today. As media environments worldwide face varying degrees of restriction, Surfshark’s Chart of the Week study examines a crucial question: how does the digital media landscape impact public trust in the media? To discover why trust in the media is lowest in countries with the highest media freedom, check out this week’s Chart of the Week.
Surfshark’s Emergency VPN program
Surfshark’s Emergency VPN (Virtual Private Network) program provides journalists in need free access to Surfshark VPN. This ensures they can work with a secure, encrypted internet connection, allowing them to bypass censorship, protect their communications, and access blocked or restricted information. In environments where governments surveil or restrict the free flow of news, VPNs help safeguard journalists’ sources, research, and reporting activities. By ensuring that journalists can work freely and safely online, even under authoritarian regimes or during crises, Emergency VPN plays a critical role in upholding press freedom and the public’s right to be informed. Last year alone, Surfshark distributed over 300 Emergency VPN accounts for journalists in need.
Press freedom is important to everyone
As we mark World Press Freedom Day, it’s clear that the challenges facing journalism today are serious. By standing up for independent media and reinforcing protections for journalists worldwide, we each play a part in defending the fundamental right to free expression. A free and independent press is vital for the media and society at large — that’s why Surfshark will continue to support journalists in need now and in the future.
