Norway once again secured the top position in the latest rankings for press freedom, maintaining its position for the seventh consecutive year. India slipped to the 161st position, down from 150th in 2022.

Ireland, a non-Nordic country, secured the second position, moving up by four places. Denmark, on the other hand, has slipped down one place to the third position. The Netherlands has seen a significant rise of 22 places, securing its previous position in 2021 before the murder of crime reporter Peter R. de Vries.

Three Asian countries, Vietnam, China, and North Korea, occupy the last three positions. Vietnam has almost finished its crackdown on independent reporters and commentators, while China continues to be the world's most significant jailer of journalists and a significant exporter of propaganda content. As expected, North Korea remains at the bottom of the list.

The 2023 World Press Freedom Index showed a decline in press freedom in many countries around the world. The United States has fallen three places, with negative feedback about the environment for journalists, despite the Biden administration's efforts. Brazil has risen 18 places due to the departure of Jair Bolsonaro and Lula da Silva's election. Asia has seen improvements due to changes in governments, including Australia's and Malaysia's rise in rankings.

Tajikistan, India, and Turkey have experienced a decline in press freedom. Europe has a mixed situation, with Germany falling in rankings and Poland and France rising. Greece has the EU's lowest ranking.

In Africa, Botswana has seen a significant rise, but journalism has become more difficult overall on the continent. Myanmar and Afghanistan remain at the bottom of the Index in the Asia-Pacific region. The MENA region continue to be the world's most dangerous region for journalists.

Media houses raise concern on India’s ranking
Several media organizations, including the Indian Women's Press Corps, the Press Club of India, and the Press Association, have expressed concern over India's decline in the World Press Freedom Index.

The organizations released a joint statement highlighting the worsening indices of press freedom in several countries, including India, according to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The statement emphasized the critical role of media in developing democracies and the need to challenge constraints on press freedom, including hostile working conditions like contractorisation, which can undermine a free press. Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also commented on the issue, stating that India's ranking of 161 out of 180 countries is a matter of shame for all Indians.

The 2023 Index also highlights the detrimental impact of the fake content industry within the digital landscape on press freedom. The rapid development of artificial intelligence is causing further disruption in the media world.