Ethiopia remains categorized as “Not Free” in the latest Freedom on the Net 2026 report by Freedom House, reflecting ongoing concerns over prolonged internet disruptions, restrictions on digital expression, and systemic barriers to online rights.
Ethiopia earned a score of 30 out of 100 in the annual assessment, placing it among the lowest-rated nations among the 38 countries evaluated.
The report, titled Seismic Shifts on the Global Internet, covers developments between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, measuring access to the internet, availability of information, and freedom of expression without state interference.
The low rating underscores a growing divergence between Ethiopia’s expanding digital infrastructure and its protection of user rights. While expanding connectivity remains critical for economic development, financial inclusion, and public service delivery, Freedom House noted that persistent connectivity restrictions continue to disrupt basic communication and economic activity.
A key focus of the report’s regional analysis is Ethiopia’s history of localized connectivity blackouts. The assessment highlights the extensive telecommunications shutdown imposed in the Tigray region following the outbreak of conflict in November 2020. Lasting over two years, it remains the longest subnational blackout recorded in the report’s history.
Freedom House detailed how prolonged service disruptions hindered humanitarian aid operations, restricted media reporting, and hampered basic family communications. The report also cataloged other major historical disruptions across the country, including an 818-day blackout in Tigray, a 347-day disruption in Amhara starting in August 2023, and earlier multi-month blackouts in Oromia. These figures encompass both total blackouts and targeted mobile or broadband throttlings during periods of political tension or conflict.
Within Africa, Ethiopia’s score of 30 ranks behind nations such as Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and The Gambia. Under Freedom House’s methodology, scores below 40 denote a “Not Free” environment, 40 to 69 indicates “Partly Free,” and 70 to 100 signifies “Free.”
Freedom House reported that global internet freedom declined for the 16th consecutive year, with conditions deteriorating in 16 of the 38 monitored nations. Estonia retained its position as the world’s most open digital environment with a score of 91, while China and Myanmar remained the most restrictive.
Beyond network shutdowns, the 2026 report identified emerging global challenges to digital rights, including the misuse of artificial intelligence for content manipulation and overly broad online safety regulations. While the report does not accuse Ethiopia of adopting specific invasive AI or age-verification laws, it cautions that such regulatory frameworks pose growing risks to privacy and press freedom worldwide.
Freedom House calls for governments to uphold open internet access, implement independent oversight on digital surveillance, and ensure all online restrictions remain transparent, proportionate, and legally justified.
