The Guardian reports that for almost twenty years, the United States has supported a global initiative to prevent the internet from falling under the control of authoritarian regimes. However, this funding is now at risk, with significant cuts already implemented that jeopardize internet freedoms in various countries. Managed by the US State Department and the US Agency for Global Media, the Internet Freedom program has allocated over $500 million in the past decade to support grassroots initiatives that help people bypass oppressive internet controls imposed by governments, particularly in nations like Iran, China, and the Philippines.

Recent changes in government priorities, especially under the Trump administration's Doge initiative, have led to substantial reductions in funding for these key programs. Career employees associated with the Internet Freedom initiative have faced layoffs and resignations as part of a broader effort to streamline government operations. This has resulted in the permanent cuts of many essential projects that were crucial for maintaining an open and free internet, raising concerns among activists and organizations dedicated to digital rights.

Analysts and advocates worry that the gutting of such funding could lead to a regression in internet freedoms around the globe, allowing authoritarian regimes to strengthen their control over information and communication. The implications of these funding cuts extend beyond mere financial losses; they threaten the ability of citizens in repressive environments to access information freely and connect with the international community, ultimately undermining democratic values and human rights progress worldwide.