Freedom of expression

What this indicator measures

The V-Dem index combines expert assessments of discussion freedom, academic and cultural expression, media censorship, self-censorship, bias, harassment of journalists and access to critical perspectives. A higher original value indicates more freedom.

How Humanity Alert transforms it

The observatory uses pressure = (1 − V-Dem index) × 100. An original value of 0.80 therefore becomes a pressure signal of 20. This inversion aligns the visual direction with the other indicators: higher always means more pressure.

What it cannot prove

The index is expert-coded and contains uncertainty. It does not measure every individual experience, prove intent, or justify a judgment about a population or culture. Country comparisons should be read with political and historical context.

Source details

Country examples