The World Press Freedom Index 2026 highlighted a sustained decline in media and journalism independence, with more than half of the 180 countries assessed now classified under “difficult” or “very serious” conditions.
According to RSF, the global average score has dropped to 54.3 points, its lowest level since the Index began in 2002. The organisation noted that 52.2% of countries now fall into the most challenging categories, a sharp rise from just 13.7% in 2002.
World Press Freedom Index 2026 (Source: RSF)
Furthermore, less than 1% of the world’s population currently lives in countries where press freedom is considered “good,” compared to 20% two decades ago.
This deterioration is due to a combination of hostile political rhetoric, economic fragility in the media sector, and the growing use of laws to curb journalistic work, the RSF report said.
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The report stated that the legal environment for journalists has worsened the most in the past year, with over 60% of countries seeing a decline.
Increasing misuse of national security laws and anti-terror legislation is being seen as key tools used to restrict reporting.
Conflict-hit regions continue to be among the most dangerous for journalists. RSF highlights that countries such as Iraq, Sudan and Yemen remain severely affected, while ongoing violence in Gaza has led to the deaths of more than 220 journalists since October 2023.
India sees decline amid legal concerns
India has been ranked 157th in the 2026 Index, with RSF noting a decline in the legal indicator. The report stated that the use of restrictive laws and legal pressures has contributed to the challenging environment for journalists in the country.
India’s score stands at 31.96 points in 2026, in comparison to 2025 when it ranked 151st with 32.96 score.
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“With a rise in violence against journalists, highly concentrated media ownership, and outlets with increasingly overt political alignment, press freedom is in crisis in “the world’s largest democracy,” ruled since 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and embodiment of the Hindu nationalist right,” the RSF report remarked.
India statistics of the World Press freedom Index 2026 ( Source: RSF)
Global rankings: Norway leads, Eritrea last, US slips
For the tenth consecutive year, Norway has retained the top position in the Index, while Eritrea remains at the bottom for the third year in a row.
RSF also notes that Syria recorded the most significant improvement, climbing 36 places following political changes after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.
Meanwhile, the United States dropped seven positions to 64th place. RSF attributed this decline to increased political hostility towards the media and institutional decisions impacting global news organisations.
“US President Donald Trump’s frequent attacks on the press and journalists are now systematic, relegating the country to 64th place,” the RSF said.
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