Where Did Press Freedom Suffer Most in 2013? Online

[Commentary] The Committee to Protect Journalists released its annual analysis of Attacks on the Press, including a "Risk List" of the places where press freedom suffered most in 2013. Top of the list: cyberspace.

CPJ wrote, "We chose to add the supranational platform of cyberspace to the list because of the profound erosion of freedom on the Internet, a critical sphere for journalists worldwide." Including cyberspace is a recognition that, at least in terms of press freedom and freedom of expression, the web is not virtual reality, it is reality. CPJ makes clear that the Internet is a contested terrain, a space of conflict, and very much at risk.

[Stearns is Press Freedom Campaign Director at Free Press]