The Battle Against Internet Censorship: How You Can Help OONI

pakistan Dec 10, 2025

Picture a world where accessing information online is no longer a guarantee, where social media and news sites vanish in the blink of an eye. This isn’t a dystopian future—it’s a reality in many parts of the world today. According to Open Observatory of Network Interference | OONI, internet censorship has escalated globally, affecting millions of users during elections, protests, and critical events.

Censorship: A Growing Global Concern

As the digital age progresses, the clampdown on information flow tightens. This year alone, several nations, from Togo to India, have seen significant restrictions on social media and messaging apps. Countries like Spain have unintentionally affected unrelated websites with broad censorship measures. These instances highlight the urgent need for a transparent approach to understanding how, when, and where censorship occurs.

OONI: Our Beacon of Transparency

Emerging from the necessity to shine a light on these shadowy restrictions, the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) was born. Running since 2012, OONI has pioneered a grassroots movement, enabling global communities to document instances of internet censorship. This citizen-driven initiative has accumulated a monumental dataset, providing the raw materials for comprehensive reports that have caught the attention of major media outlets.

Real Impact with Real Data

OONI’s contribution isn’t merely academic. Their data is wielded as a powerful tool in legal battles and advocacy campaigns across the globe. For example, it served as critical evidence in a case at the High Court of Kenya, underpinning efforts to challenge unjust internet shutdowns.

Facing an Uncertain Future

Despite its achievements, OONI now faces challenges. Recent funding cuts to organizations championing internet freedoms have imperiled future projects. Without sufficient financial backing, the continuation of their vital work hangs in the balance.

How You Can Support

This is where you come in. By donating to OONI, you directly fuel the engines of transparency and justice. Each contribution goes a long way in sustaining their groundbreaking software and expanding the reach of their open dataset. The call to action is urgent: support OONI and be part of safeguarding the freedoms many take for granted. Together, we can ensure that the digital realm remains a space for free expression and unrestricted access.