THE POLEMICS OF INTERNET FREEDOM IN ASIA: Reality, perception and attitudes

Although many governments in Asian countries put substantial restrictions on freedom of speech and information rights online, Asian internet users generally attach much importance to accessing the internet with freedom. Given such sharp division between individuals’ expectations and the reality of internet freedom in Asia, this study explores the current status of internet freedom, regulation of the internet and people’s perceptions of related issues. Very few Asian states enjoy a free internet environment, and a downward trend in internet freedom is observed in recent years. Against the backdrop of misinformation and fake news being a global issue, Asian governments employ a variety of methods to further tighten internet control, including blocking and service disruption, content censorship, content regulation legislation, etc. Asian internet users hold mixed attitudes towards internet freedom and internet control. Based on a multinational survey, it is found that internet users in Asia support both internet censorship and internet freedom at the same time, but variation remains large across societies. Political, economic and cultural factors interact with each other and jointly work with micro individual factors to shape such attitudes.