Internet Freedom Program
The internet offers people worldwide the opportunity to freely share information, express ideas and break down barriers in a way that few could have imagined just a generation ago. However, an increasing number of repressive regimes are actively working to prevent citizens from participating in this global forum, denying billions of people their right to freedom of expression. These regimes also place great pressure on Western companies to obtain sensitive technology, which is then used to track internet users and commit grave human rights abuses.
The Global Internet Freedom Initiative seeks to counteract this rising trend of government censorship and surveillance. It aims to analyze the state of internet freedom, to expand the use of anti-censorship technologies, to build support networks for citizens fighting against online repression and to focus greater international attention on the growing threats to users' rights.
Approach
Freedom House functions as a catalyst for freedom and democracy through its proven strategy that combines analysis, advocacy and action. We bring more than 60 years of experience in supporting freedom's frontline defenders in countries around the world.
Our approach to combating internet censorship and surveillance differs from previous strategies which focused mainly on developing technology to circumvent government controls. While these tools are helpful, they do not address the root causes of the problem, which are the repressive policies of undemocratic regimes. Online activists now face a new level of repression, in which governments employ tactics such as shutting down websites, making internet service providers liable for the content they host, requiring internet cafes to monitor users and arresting individuals who criticize the government online.
Activities
The Global Internet Freedom Initiative includes the following activities:
New Internet Freedom Survey
This new Freedom House publication is providing the world's first analytical standard for measuring internet freedom in 15 countries. With additional support, Freedom House intends to expand the survey worldwide. Like its other standard-setting publications, the Internet Freedom Survey will provide a valuable tool that international democracy advocates can use to challenge government control and advance freedom of expression online.
Tracking Internet Freedom Trends
Freedom House is creating an online resource to document violations of internet freedom worldwide. This website will also include a collection of internet laws and regulations from countries around the world.
Promoting Anti-Censorship Technologies
Freedom House is developing a global network that promotes the use of anti-censorship technologies in repressive regimes. This network will create easy-to-understand user guides and videos in multiple languages which will be distributed by local trainers in countries where censorship and surveillance are pervasive. Regional networks will also provide tech support for users.
Ensuring International Bodies Uphold Freedom
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers and the United Nations Internet Governance Forum are critical to establishing sound internet policy. Freedom House actively engages these policymakers by providing them with recommendations that strengthen internet freedom and by ensuring that they counter attempts by repressive regimes to erode user's rights. Freedom House also amplifies the voices of users in internet-restricted environments at these international forums.
To provide support or find out more about the Internet Freedom Initiative, contact us or call 202-296-5101.
Freedom House is an independent nongovernmental organization that supports the expansion of freedom in the world.