Information Controls Research Program

Information Controls Research Program is sponsored by Open Technology Fund (via fundsforNGOs). This program supports researchers investigating internet censorship, digital surveillance, information controls, and threats to human rights in repressive environments.

Information Controls Research | OTF Information Controls Research Program The Information Controls Research Program (ICRP) supports cutting-edge applied research on repressive internet censorship and surveillance. The 2026 application window will be open from July 27, 2026 until September 7, 2026 .

About the Information Controls Research Program The Information Controls Research Program (ICRP), formerly known as the “Information Controls Fellowship Program,” supports applied research into how authoritarian governments in the most repressive information environments are restricting the free flow of information, cutting access to the open internet, and implementing censorship mechanisms; and the ways in which these threats to internet freedom may be countered.

Three, six, nine or twelve-month stipend available; Usually offered to postdoctoral and doctoral students, and experienced researchers with demonstrated ability and expertise; Monthly stipend of $7,000 USD; Travel stipend up to $5,000 USD, depending on the project (disclaimers below); Equipment stipend up to $5,000 USD, depending on the project (disclaimers below).

Given the cross-disciplinary nature of research supported by ICRP, applications are open to people from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, including students at any level, and junior to mid-career practitioners who are unassociated with an academic institution.

Typically, ICRP researchers have extensive experience in fields of computer science, engineering, information security research, software development, social sciences, and data visualization, among others. To get a better sense of the ICRP community, you can read about researchers here .

Successful applicants must demonstrate how research outputs will be applied to the internet freedom community and/or how they will contribute to the development and improvement of internet freedom tools used in the most information restricted environments. We encourage applicants from all over the world, particularly people from the majority world and with experience living in repressive environments.

ICRP researchers embed with a host organization for the duration of their research. When applying, applicants can specify a host organization of their choosing; however, the host organization must not be ineligible pursuant to the terms of this Solicitation. Applicants are encouraged to work with a host organization that they are not already affiliated with.

In the application, each applicant must justify their choice(s) of host organization according to their proposed project and own expertise. Non-academic host organizations are welcome, as are those based outside the United States. You can find previous host organizations listed in the researcher descriptions .

We encourage applicants to contact the proposed host organization prior to submitting their application to OTF, as this leads to stronger proposed projects. Applicants without a confirmed host organization may still apply. Should your application be reviewed favorably, we will work with you to identify a suitable host organization.

Throughout the duration of the program, the researcher will be expected to work full-time with their host organization, and the host organization will be required to conduct oversight of the Applicant’s work and progress . While researchers ideally work locally within their host organization, applicants may propose to work remotely with the expectation that a strategy for remote communication is established.

For entities interested in serving as a host organization, please email [email protected] for more information on the obligations of a host organization. The below is a non-exhaustive list of potential areas of research focus for ICRP projects. You can read about previously supported research projects before submitting an application.

Improving efforts to monitor internet interference and analyzing network interference measures; Advancing new analysis of the types of information controls being carried out, and their targets, in the most repressive environments; Testing creative methods and new protocols for anti-censorship and shutdown circumvention, including all forms of internet filtering; Evaluating the impact of internet censorship and use of circumvention tools, including internet shutdowns and shutdown-resilient tools; Studying collaboration and advances in the internet shutdown-resilient communications ecosystem; Researching emerging repressive state-sponsored surveillance patterns, and analysis of digital threats against civil society or human rights defenders, such as denial of service attacks, social engineering, and phishing attacks such as malware, and mitigations; Investigating the diffusion of information control technologies, particularly from authoritarian nations to other internet restrictive countries and regions; Studying the roles of machine learning and artificial intelligence in information control practices in repressive environments; Investigating quantum computing-assisted threats to internet freedom, and exploring opportunities to employ this leap in computing power to circumvent censorship; Studying threat intelligence dynamics, such as tools and standards; or Other novel ideas and approaches relating to the study of global and regional information controls.

A focus on countries with minimal information controls; Working with a host organization you are already affiliated with; Unethical testing of end-user connections or use of potential personal information; Reverse engineering individual apps that are not directly used by state actors to carry out mass surveillance or targeted attacks; and A focus on advocacy and policy research.

Expected Research Outputs & Impact Proposed projects should exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to OTF’s mission to advance global internet freedom in the most information restricted environments; Research objectives should be ambitious, yet measurable and achievable with activities and milestones listed monthly.

The overall project goals should extend beyond traditional audiences; and Projects should include a technical component or technical output . For example, one researcher created a dashboard with internet shutdown data and analysis for others interested in the topic. We recommend reviewing the projects of previous ICRP researchers to understand the types of outputs projects might produce.

Considerations and Requirements for PhD Students ICRP requires full-time effort over the course of the research program.

However, doctoral students are not required to suspend their studies if the ICRP project is in line with their studies; Depending on university departmental requirements, doctoral students are also encouraged to consider applying for ICRP for a summer (three-month) period if the proposed project may be completed in that timeframe; and Full-time student applicants must provide evidence of departmental support (such as an email from their academic supervisor), or justification as to why they need to opt-out from submitting their supervisor’s support.

OTF retains discretion as to whether such justification may override the requirement for evidence of departmental support. OTF accepts applications to the ICRP once per year. The 2026 application window is July 27, 2026 until September 7, 2026 .

Applications are due by 23:59 (11:59 PM) GMT on the final day. It is a two-stage process. Please submit questions to [email protected] by August 15, and answers will be posted on the OTF ICRP website by August 20.

All dates are estimates and subject to change: By September 7, 2026: Submit a concept note via OTF’s online application system .

The application must contain the following information: A completed concept note form; CV or resume of the applicant in the attachment of the online application system; Full-time PhD student applicants must also include evidence of departmental support (such as an email from their academic supervisor in support of them carrying out the proposed research) in the attachment of the online application system.

This is to ensure that the proposed research will not disrupt the applicant’s other commitments. If an applicant needs to opt-out from submitting supervisor’s support, a justification needs to be provided in the application form, and OTF retains discretion regarding whether a justification may override the requirement for evidence of departmental support.

October 31, 2026: Notices of determination on concept notes November 1, 2026: Selected concept notes invited to submit a full proposal together with the proposed host organization via our online application system. Estimated Earliest Project Start Date : March 1, 2027 All applications are reviewed by the OTF team.

The independent ICRP Advisory Council, comprising experts in the internet freedom space, conducts a final review of competitive proposals. Please review the OTF concept note application questions early in planning your research project idea. Please review our Applicant Guidebook for additional information, especially the Review Process section to understand how we evaluate applications.

Researchers receive performance-based contracts, with payment occurring through a monthly stipend subject to approval each month by the OTF program manager and supporting host organization. OTF reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described in this Solicitation or in any contract awarded pursuant to this Solicitation under such circumstances as it may deem to be in the best interest of the program priorities.

ICRP contractual stipends are issued for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months, while the period of performance of the contract issued may be longer to allow for performance beyond the stipend period. Any such decision will be subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the applicants, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of program priorities.

Because payment is dispersed at monthly intervals upon satisfactory completion of stated contractual goals, successful applicants can expect regular contact with both their host organization and OTF program manager. Monitoring consists of monthly reports and phone, email, or in-person discussions and consultations as needed.

The monthly reports are brief monthly updates about their work to OTF, their host organization, and the OTF community. This allows others to review and comment on the ICRP community’s work, encouraging collaboration. The adviser or responsible person at the host organization, in turn, provides a “traffic light” report to OTF evaluating the researcher’s progress.

This report, detailed below, is the basis upon which monthly stipend payments are approved and thus released. A “green light” from the host organization signals that the researcher is on track and funds may be released. A “yellow light” from the host organization signals that while funds may be released, there are some concerns that need to be flagged to OTF.

A “red light” from the host organization signals that progress has been interrupted and an intervention is required. The host organization recommends a “stop payment” and OTF, the host organization, and the researcher discuss possible remedial steps to either get back on track or terminate the award.

The following applicants and/or host organizations are ineligible to receive awards under this solicitation: Applicants (and/or their subsidiaries, affiliates, parent organizations, host organizations, etc.) engaged in the development, production, sale, and/or marketing of any surveillance software, hardware, or associated technology.

Applicants listed as debarred, sanctioned, or otherwise excluded from receiving federal funds in the System of Award Management ( sam. gov ), the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), or any other US or international government sanction/debarment system. Applicants certify the project put forth by way of this solicitation falls within section 2(b) of OTF’s remit .

By submitting your proposal, you are certifying that you are eligible to perform the work described in this Solicitation and that none of the above exclusions apply to you, your subsidiaries, affiliates, host organization, or parent organization(s) as applicable.

Furthermore, you certify that no relationship exists between you and any third party that impedes your ability to conduct and/or comply with fair, impartial, and independent performance or audits.

Disclaimer, Qualifications, and Protection Clauses All ages may apply irrespective of nationality, residency, creed, gender, or other factors, with the exception that OTF is not able to support applicants within countries that the United States has trade restrictions or export sanctions as determined by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Any individual based in the United States must possess or acquire the appropriate work authorization. For instance, if a student with an I-20 visa intends to carry out their project in the United States, they will need to apply to use Curricular Practical Training for their research. OTF will not compensate or reimburse applicants for their preparation or responses to this solicitation.

All Concept Notes and/or Proposals become property of OTF upon submission. A request for a Proposal following a Concept Note review by OTF in no way is an assurance, promise, or guarantee the applicant will receive funding from OTF under this solicitation.

Applicants shall not issue, or permit to be issued, during the period covered by this solicitation, or under a contract (if offered) or at any time thereafter, publicity in any form respecting the work hereunder or the fact of its participation herein, unless such publicity is first approved in writing by OTF.

In the event any portion of the cost of the services provided by the awarded contract includes travel or supply cost reimbursement, the applicant shall obtain advance approval of OTF and all travel expenditures must conform to the Standard Government Travel Regulations.

Both the travel and equipment stipends have substantial limitations and require OTF written approval to be awarded as reflected in any Agreement offered to an Applicant pursuant to this Solicitation.

Applicant hereby agrees that OTF’s intellectual property terms in any issued agreements apply, and the fees to be paid to the applicant are full, fair, and adequate compensation for the conveyance to OTF of deliverables and/or Work Product to OTF.

The awarded contract, if any, will be based on OTF’s standard contract terms, including a termination for convenience provision, and will also include relevant government provisions and/or other applicable standard contracting clauses. Restrictions on the use of data contained within a Concept Note and/or Proposal must be clearly stated.

Due to OTF’s evaluation process for solicitations, it cannot sign non-disclosure agreements with any applicant. OTF reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Concept Notes and/or Proposals in response to this solicitation, to take exceptions to the solicitation specifications, and to waive any requirements stated herein.

Additionally, OTF reserves the right to waive minor application deficiencies that can be corrected prior to award determination to promote competition. OTF may choose to award only part of the activities in this solicitation, or issue multiple awards based on the solicitation activities. OTF reserves the right to make an award based solely on submitted Proposals or to negotiate with one or more applicants.

Issuance of this solicitation, preparation, submission, and/or evaluation of applicant responses does not commit OTF to award a contract to any applicant. OTF reserves the right to cancel or modify this solicitation at any time for any reason within its sole discretion without liability.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is a candidate who remains formally registered as a postdoctoral researcher, but undertakes the ICRP work on a demonstrably full-time basis and under the independent oversight of an external host organization, eligible? Is formal leave, suspension, or institutional-support documentation required from a postdoctoral applicant in this situation?

A: Postdoctoral candidates are eligible, as long as they are able to work full-time with a host organization for the duration of the ICRP program. They are not required to suspend their positions if the ICRP research project is in line with their studies.

Full-time student applicants must provide evidence of departmental support (such as an email from their academic supervisor), or justification as to why they need to opt-out from submitting their supervisor’s support. OTF retains discretion as to whether such justification may override the requirement for evidence of departmental support. Q: Are international applicants eligible?

What if an applicant is currently living in a country where sanctions exist against certain entities and groups? A: International applicants are eligible to apply. Once an application is reviewed and accepted, applicants are screened for legal eligibility.

This includes ensuring applicants are not prohibited from receiving funds pursuant to government designations related to sanctions and/or debarments, or are otherwise legally ineligible to receive funds from OTF. Q: Can the ICRP researcher work on the project remotely?

May they be based in a country that is not currently considered one of the most restrictive information environments, provided that the research question, cases, partners, and intended applications are directly relevant to restrictive or rapidly deteriorating information environments? A: Yes. Ideally, ICRP researchers are able to work locally within their host organization.

However, applicants who wish to work remotely will also be considered with the expectation that a strategy for remote communication is established. Q: If a PhD student is currently funded for part of this research work can they still get funding from ICRP? A: No duplicate funding is allowed.

If funding is already available for your research project and this project would be carried out absent OTF support, we are unable to provide funding. Q: Are there any additional citizenship/residency, identity, tax, banking/payment, or compliance documents that I should prepare in advance for Stage 2 or contracting? A: If your proposal is accepted, OTF will work with you on the necessary documents for contracting.

Q: Is there a publicly accessible copy of the exact 2026 ICRP concept note questions and field limits, or are these available only after login and 2FA through “Copy questions to clipboard”? Q: What exactly is required from the host organization? A: Host organizations are required to provide supervision and guidance for the researcher, which includes monitoring the researcher’s progress.

Before contracts with successful applicants are signed, the host organization will sign an agreement with OTF detailing their obligations. The host organization does not need to provide employment or institutional status to ICRP researchers. Please email [email protected] for more information on the obligations of a host organization.

Q: Does OTF help applicants find a host organization? Or is it the applicant’s responsibility to find one? Can the applicant submit a concept note without a confirmed host organization?

A: We encourage applicants to look at previous researchers’ host organizations to help identify suitable organizations that have expertise in the subject matter area of the applicant’s research topic. We also encourage applicants to c ontact the proposed host organization prior to submitting their concept note to OTF, as this leads to stronger project proposals.

Applicants who cannot identify a host organization, or do not have a confirmed host, are still welcome to apply. Should their application be reviewed favorably, we will work with them to identify an appropriate host. Q: How can potential host organizations find suitable ICRP researchers?

A: We encourage potential host organizations to promote the open application window within their networks and invite prospective applicants to apply by September 7, 2026. It is also helpful to include your organization’s research priorities or areas of focus in order to attract researchers with project ideas aligned with these. Q: Are there restrictions on the host organization?

A: ICRP does not support host organization staff, and the ICRP researcher must perform a distinct project from the organization’s existing efforts.

In addition, the following organizations are ineligible to act as host organizations under this solicitation: Organizations engaged in the development, production, sale, and/or marketing of any surveillance software, hardware, or associated technology; and Organizations listed as debarred, sanctioned, or otherwise excluded from receiving funds in the System of Award Management , the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control , or any other US or international government sanction/debarment system.

Q: Do you accept applicants conducting independent research in an institution other than where they are currently working? A: Yes. Applicants are encouraged to work with a host organization that they are not already affiliated with, and they must perform a distinct project from the organization’s existing efforts.

In the application, each applicant must justify their choice(s) of host organization according to their proposed project and own expertise. Q: Is the preference for no prior affiliation with a host organization an absolute eligibility restriction, or is it a factor considered when assessing the independence, suitability, and credibility of the proposed host arrangement?

A: While we strongly prefer that applicants work with a host organization they are not currently or previously associated with, we consider all applications. Please note that if funding is already available for your project through this host organization and this project would be carried out absent OTF support, we are unable to provide funding.

Q: Can the researcher rely on the host organization’s team (for example, for engineering support) to complete the project? A: Researchers may ask for necessary support from their host organizations and need to include the commitment from the host organization into their research design. But, since the ICRP funding is allocated to individual researchers, the individual researcher is responsible for the completion of the project.

Q: Does OTF provide any financial or administrative support to host organizations, or is the host expected to provide supervision and institutional support without receiving a separate allocation? A: No funds are provided to the host organization. More information on the duties of a host organization can be found by emailing [email protected] .

Q: Is there a mechanism through which a host organization can be resourced to sustain monitoring after the ICRP stipend ends, or is the expectation that a host pursues that separately through the Internet Freedom Fund? A: ICRP supports individual researchers for specific, approved projects.

We encourage the researcher and/or host organization to apply separately to OTF’s Internet Freedom Fund for efforts beyond the scope of the ICRP research.

Research Topics & Methodology Q: Would OTF consider research focused on pre-positioned technical resilience against rapid-onset information controls, provided that the research is grounded in documented experiences from repressive information environments and produces outputs applicable to those environments? A: We cannot comment on the content of the research until we fully assess the application.

We encourage you to submit a concept note to clarify the research project and the intended impact on people living in the most repressive information environments. Q: Can historical case analysis and controlled simulations be used as the principal methods of validation when live testing in restrictive environments would create unacceptable risks for participants?

A: We cannot comment on the content of the research until we fully assess the application. We encourage you to submit a concept note to clarify the research project and the intended impact on people living in the most repressive information environments.

Q: Could an open methodology, structured dataset, reproducible test suite, technical specification, and limited reference implementation satisfy the requirement for a technical component or technical output when developing a full production platform is not necessary to answer the research question? A: Yes.

We recommend reviewing the projects of previous researchers in order to get a better understanding of the types of acceptable outputs. Q: If a research project needs specific hardware or software (for example, testing devices), who should cover the costs? Are they covered by the monthly stipend, the host organization, or OTF?

A: ICRP provides an equipment stipend up to $5,000 USD, depending on the project (in addition to the monthly stipend). The equipment stipend has substantial limitations and requires OTF’s written approval to be awarded.

Recently Funded Researchers Information Controls Researcher Bringing transparency to privacy-enhancing technologies Information Controls Researcher On-device information controls Information Controls Researcher Threat landscape for social movements in the Southern Cone of South America Information Controls Researcher China’s digital transnational repression efforts targeting the Uyghur diaspora Information Controls Researcher Chinese digital totalitarianism and emerging trends of AI chips Information Controls Researcher DNS-based web censorship in India Information Controls Researcher Internet access conditions from the perspective of Iranian gamers in Iran Information Controls Researcher Critical threat vectors in local Pakistani Android apps Associate Professor of New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam Leverhulme Fellow in Computational Social Science Privacy Engineer at Brave Software Postdoc Researcher at the Data Justice Lab at Cardiff University Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan; co-founder of Censored Planet, a global censorship observatory Communications Infrastructure Researcher at the University of Amsterdam Tech & Governance Advocacy Coordinator at Derechos Digitales The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.

The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.

The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Manage {vendor_count} vendors