Our live internet shutdowns index measures the financial consequences in real-time and provides information on previous years' data.
VPN, Internet Rights & Security Research
Internet Censorship
In these investigations, we explore the social, political, and economic impact of internet censorship all over the world. You’ll also find research that aims to spotlight the underlying technology used to restrict internet access.
- Internet ShutdownsGovernment Internet Shutdowns Have Cost $53 Billion Since 2019
- Internet ShutdownsGovernment Internet Shutdowns Cost Over $9 Billion in 2023
We analyzed every major deliberate internet outage in 2023 globally and found the financial impact to be over $9 billion to the world economy.
- Internet ShutdownsGovernment Internet Shutdowns Cost $24.6 Billion in 2022
This annual report analyzes every major deliberate internet shutdown in 2022, revealing the cost to the world economy to be almost $25 billion.
- Internet ShutdownsGovernment Internet Shutdowns Cost $5.6 Billion in 2021
Our annual report examined every significant intentional internet shutdown in 2021. We calculated the impact on the world economy to have been $5.6 billion.
- Internet ShutdownsThe Tech Companies Behind Internet Shutdowns: Allot Ltd.
Israeli deep packet inspection manufacturer has commercial relationships with 14 ISPs who have implemented internet shutdowns in 21 countries.
- Internet ShutdownsGovernment Internet Shutdowns Cost Over $4 Billion in 2020
Our annual report analyzes every major intentional internet outage around the world in 2020 and reveals that they cost us $4 billion.
- Internet ShutdownsGovernment Internet Shutdowns Cost $8 Billion in 2019
Internet shutdowns around the world in 2019 cost the global economy over $8 billion in 2019, our annual report reveals.
- Internet CensorshipRussian Internet Censorship Spending Since 2022
Russia's internet censorship agencies have increased spending by 63% since February 2022, with many of the largest increases occurring near Ukraine's border.
- Blocked WebsitesVPN Censorship Investigation: Which Governments Block VPN Websites?
Analysis of over 12 million internet measurement tests reveals the countries that block access to VPN and other privacy enhancing technologies the most.
- Blocked WebsitesWebsites Blocked in Russia Since February 2022
We are tracking the websites officially blocked in Russia by the authorities since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that relate to the conflict.
- Digital RightsChina’s Surveillance State: A Global Project
Researchers Valentin Weber and Vasilis Ververis reveal the global reach of Huawei's tech and the U.S. companies that facilitate China's surveillance state.
- Blocked WebsitesISP Website Blocks: How Bad are the UK's Web Filters?
Our study of UK ISP website blocks reveals charity, school and social support websites are among thousands of sites wrongfully blocked by overzealous content filters.
Our Research Experts
Simon Migliano
Head of Research
Simon Migliano leads our research and testing into VPN applications, as well as wider investigations into internet privacy and security matters. Utilizing these findings, he produces in-depth VPN reviews and expert guidance on online safety.
His work examining dangerous free VPNs, identity theft, and internet censorship has been featured in over 1,000 publications worldwide including the BBC, CNET, Wired, and the Financial Times.
Samuel Woodhams
Digital Rights Lead
Samuel Woodhams leads our research on censorship, surveillance, and internet freedom to help defend internet freedoms around the world.
His research has been featured by the BBC, Washington Post, Financial Times, and The Guardian.