The UN Special Rapporteur on the freedom of opinion and expression David Kaye has released a report on the violations of freedom of expression globally. 
The report includes a survey of official communications with governments that have reportedly violated international human rights law in the area of freedom of expression. Trends show that governments utilize national security and public order justifications to restrict media, activists and critical voices. He states, “Many times governments provide not even the barest demonstration that such restrictions meet the legal tests of necessity and proportionality.”
The restriction of expression through Internet and telecommunications shutdowns is an example of digital censorship practiced by governments today, the report added. As an example, Mr Kaye states, “I confirmed during my mission to Tajikistan in 2016 that the Government has repeatedly blocked access to messaging services in times of public protest and has maintained a long-time block on social media websites operated from outside the country.” The DRC, Burudi, India, Bangladesh, Brazil and Pakistan are also reported to have blocked such platforms in 2015.
The report also covers the assault on journalists through the use of counter terrorism laws that restrict and punish reporters. In addition, in the context of protests, journalists are also detained and restricted from reporting – such as the detention of reporters during the Ferguson protests in Missouri.
Mr Kaye states, “Censorship in all its forms reflects official fear of ideas and information… And it not only harms the speaker or reporter or broadcaster, it undermines everyone’s right to information, to public participation, to open and democratic governance.” 
See the full text of the report here.