A new edition of the Chapultepec Index reveals the normalization of a deterioration in institutional actions regarding freedom of expression and the press, in some of the 22 nations of the hemisphere evaluated in the barometer, which have remained in the lowest positions in the five editions published so far. The global average of the region was below the 50 measurement points for the second consecutive time, registering a score of 48.18 out of a theoretical maximum of 100 points.

The hemisphere only raised its score 0.33 points above the global average of the previous edition (47.84), an average that remains the lowest so far recorded since the first edition of the Chapultepec Index, in 2020. It can be seen in the current measurement, the global situation has not improved substantially in the region, despite the rise of Chile, which is ranked first in this edition, and the status of other nations located in the “Low Restriction” range.

A total of 168 people, including journalists, editors, academic experts and activists, were consulted to obtain the results. They offered their perceptions regarding the period between August 2, 2023 and August 1, 2024.

This edition of the Index presents a new variable to consider in the performance of Governments in terms of freedom of expression and the press. Starting with this edition, a measurement of disinformation is included, more specifically, around the actions of Governments leading to reducing or, on the contrary, increasing content with falsified information, addressing or omitting the information needs of citizens, as well as such as the degree to which institutions and spokespersons of public powers engage or do not engage in disinformation campaigns.

GLOBAL INDEX