7 Countries with Internet Censorship: North Korea, China, and More

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The use of the internet is so deeply embedded in our lives that it's hard to imagine a day without it, as reflected by its 5.64 billion users globally, or around 68.7% of the world's population. As essential as digital access is, there are countries with tight internet censorship, making it difficult for their citizens to freely access information. 

List of Countries with Internet Censorship

Compari Tech and World Population Review have listed China as one of the countries with internet censorship, alongside North Korea and Iran. To discover more nations that impose significant restrictions on internet access, continue to scroll down.

1. China

China is one of the world’s most censored countries, primarily through what is known as the Great Firewall of China. Established in 2000, this system blocks access to popular Western social media like Google, Facebook, Twitter (now X), and YouTube.

The government also heavily monitors and restricts domestic internet activity, all aimed at maintaining national stability by controlling information that could potentially incite social unrest. 

2. North Korea

Aside from being ranked among the world’s most difficult countries to visit, North Korea is perhaps one of the most extreme examples of internet censorship. Not only does it block access to global internet and foreign online platforms, the government even operates a domestic network known as Kwamyong, which only works to access government-approved sites. Foreigners who visit North Korea are also subject to these strict controls.

3. Iran

Driven by the objective to control content and monitor users, the regime of Iran strictly limits its people's access to the global internet. While the nation has long been one of the most restrictive—blocking Instagram and YouTube, it introduced even tighter regulations in 2024. As noted by Al Jazeera, the directive includes the formal criminalization of using VPNs and similar circumvention tools without a government-issued permit.

4. Iraq

When it comes to internet censorship by country, Iraq is a significant example. For around a decade, the government has been routinely blocking access to social media platforms, messaging apps, and news outlets during times of crisis, such as protests and exam days. 

While these measures are often justified as efforts to maintain order, they raise serious concerns about violations of freedom of expression and access to information.

5. Myanmar

Following the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar saw a significant increase in internet censorship. The military junta imposed full internet shutdowns, with around 329 shutdowns recorded since 2021. 

These measures were primarily intended to prevent the spread of real-time information about the military's atrocities which eventually limits the international community’s access to updates on the situation. Effective January 1, 2025, VPNs are also banned.

6. Pakistan

Pakistan is among the countries with internet censorship, actively working to control online information in increasingly restrictive ways. While the country has a long history of censorship, the government escalated its efforts in 2024, implementing internet blackouts in response to protests and political unrest.

7. Russia

Russia is another nation increasing its internet censorship over the past years, particularly under President Vladimir Putin’s administration. Aside from foreign social media and news websites, the government has also blocked access to circumvention technologies such as VPNs and mirror sites, which were previously used by citizens to bypass inaccessible platforms.

Internet censorship can lead to the suppression of political dissent, the restriction of free expression, and the stifling of creativity and innovation. For more discovery, let’s check out the least safe countries in the world.

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