In 2024, the fight to defend democracy in Asia is increasingly taking place in the digital world. More and more Asian governments are implementing cutting-edge tactics to carry out digital repression, from censorship and surveillance to using draconian regulations. However, digital freedom stakeholders also demonstrate their resilience in fighting for digital rights and pushing back against the symptoms of digital authoritarianism through various strategies.
Digital repression in Asia is about controlling information and narratives. Fueling the spread of digital repression is the unholy alliance between autocratic governments and influential tech companies, which shapes our current digital landscape, and not for the better. The region’s digital democracy faces increasing threats, both through strict regulations that limit freedom of expression, the use of AI technology for disinformation, and the strengthening of digital authoritarianism.
With the increasing development of surveillance and information manipulation technologies, the challenges to digital freedom in the region continue to increase.
In Southeast Asia, several countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia have experienced leadership transitions that have not
improved human rights, especially digital ones. The new regimes continue to suppress freedom of expression through strict regulations for media and
digital platforms. Independent media and citizen journalism are also under threat, while pro-regime media continue to thrive. Meanwhile, Myanmar continues to cut off the internet and tighten controls on online expression, which, of course, will erode democratic space.
Meanwhile, the 2024 election period in South Asia also presents political and digital challenges, in the crucial elections in Bangladesh, Pakistan and India, as well as Sri Lanka, which is forming a new government, and Bangladesh, which experienced massive student protests that overthrew the
government. Social media plays a significant role in the political narrative, with major parties in several countries exploiting misinformation and using AI for campaigning. Digital repression is getting stronger, with internet cuts in Bangladesh, content restrictions in Pakistan and mass blocking of websites in India. The Online Safety Act in Sri Lanka also limits freedom of expression, showing how increasing authoritarianism controls the digital space.
download the full report here:
https://adnasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2024-ADN-Democracy-Outlook_FA-as-of-05222025.pdf