This project aims to enable those in the MENA region to bypass Internet censorship by providing dedicated Arabic language user support for widely used circumvention tools.

At present, dedicated user support for circumvention tools is limited in Arabic, leaving citizens reliant on an inconsistent variety of news and media for information about tool irregularities and troubleshooting assistance. Support will focus on improving tool features and functionalities to better reflect and respond to Arab users’ needs and concerns, allowing secure Internet access in repressive environments, such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, and Egypt, countries where repressive censorship and surveillance are common.

Addressed problems

  • Blocking, filtering, or modification of political, social, and/or religious content (including apps)
  • Technical attacks against government critics, journalists, and/or human rights organizations (Cyberattacks)
  • Localized or nationwide communications shut down or throttling (Blackouts)
  • Physical intimidation, arrest, violence (including device seizure or destruction), and death for political or social reasons
  • Pro-government manipulation of online discussions (propaganda, imitation content, and/or sockpuppets)
  • Restrictive Internet filtering by technical methods (IP blocking, DNS filtering, TCP RST, DPI, etc.)
  • Repressive surveillance or monitoring of communication
  • Policies, laws, or directives that increase surveillance, censorship, and punishment
  • Government practices that hold intermediaries (social networks or ISPs) liable for user content
  • Prohibitive cost to access the Internet

Objective(s)

  • Training
  • Deploying technology
  • Software or hardware development
  • Testing
  • Research
  • Technology development

Beneficiaries

  • General public
  • Women
  • Youth
  • Sexual minorities
  • Ethnic minorities
  • Activists
  • Journalists
  • Advocacy groups/NGOs
  • Academia
  • Technologists
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Government

Region(s) archive

  • North Africa

Technology attributes

  • Other