"This chapter has shown the positive relationship and virtuous circle between domestic authorities and international bodies that strengthens the protection of human rights by highlighting progress on two issues within the right to freedom of expression: criminalization and access to information. Eleven countries have repealed desacato laws, nine countries have limited the use of criminal law in cases of criticism leveled against public officials, and more than twenty- four countries have recognized the right of access to information. These evolving inter- American standards on freedom of expression seem to have been consolidated into ICCAL. This chapter does not mean to suggest that progress is necessarily constant or permanent. The right to freedom of expression has encountered strong opposition in countries such as Venezuela. There have already been significant setbacks in freedom of expression in Latin America and rising authoritarianism in the region has created additional threats to this right. Notwithstanding those challenges, there is no doubt that the relationship between the Inter- American System and domestic legal systems, including constitutional courts, has generated a transformation in international law and constitutional law across the region. Although we might not expect to see major advances in freedom of expression in the coming years, due to the challenge of rising authoritarianism, we do know that in States in which the judiciary continues to enjoy sufficient autonomy inter- American standards have curbed authoritarian attacks on individual rights. International standards lend domestic courts the legitimacy they need to rebuff authoritarian advances in contexts of political polarization." (Concluding remarks, pp. 493-494)