Authoritarian states are fragmenting the internet through systematic censorship, threatening global digital freedoms
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/editorial. "The Guardian view on the splinternet: where China led, Iran and others are eagerly following | Editorial | The Guardian." May 31, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
Authoritarian countries led by China are breaking up the global internet by blocking websites and creating their own controlled versions. This trend is spreading to more countries and threatens everyone's access to information and free communication online.
Conclusion
The rise of the splinternet through authoritarian internet controls is damaging not only for those directly affected, but for all of us, and democracies must take action to counter this trend
Premises
- China has pioneered sophisticated internet censorship through the Great Firewall and is now exporting these technologies and methods to other authoritarian countries
- Internet shutdowns and restrictions are increasing globally, with at least 313 shutdowns in 52 countries recorded last year
- Countries like Iran and Russia are following China's model by creating domestic alternatives to global platforms while restricting access to international services
- Chinese companies are actively selling censorship technologies to countries including Ethiopia, Pakistan and Myanmar
- The US has cut funding for digital freedom activists while many democracies are also reducing support for civil society abroad
- Digital freedoms constitute a fundamental human right to information and expression, not merely a technical issue
Assumptions
- A globally connected internet is inherently valuable and beneficial
- State control over internet access is primarily motivated by authoritarian repression rather than legitimate security concerns
- Western platforms and internet freedom models are superior to state-controlled alternatives
- Democratic governments have both the capability and responsibility to counter authoritarian internet policies
- The fragmentation of the internet will have negative consequences for global communication and human rights