U.S. Democracy Has Weakened 'Significantly', Says Freedom House

The report also describes a more effective form of "digital authoritarianism" that is leading the assault on freedom of speech. China, in particular, is actively exporting its approach to internet censorship and surveillance around the world. In an earlier report, "Freedom on the Net," Freedom House outlined how China is offering training sessions and study trips, as well as advanced equipment that takes advantage of artificial intelligence and facial recognition technologies, to monitor internet activity.