Introduction to the Country Profiles
The country profiles that follow offer a synopsis of the findings and conclusions of
OpenNet Initiative (ONI) research into the factors influencing specific countries’ decisions to filter or abstain from filtering the Internet, as well as the impact, relevance,
and efficacy of technical filtering in a broader context of Internet censorship.
These profiles cover the countries where ONI conducted technical testing and analysis from 2007 to 2008. Countries selected for in-depth analysis are those in which it is
believed that there is the most to learn about the extent and processes of Internet filtering.
Each country profile includes the summary results of the empirical testing for filtering. The technical filtering data alone, however, do not amount to a complete picture
of Internet censorship and content regulation. A wide range of policies relating to media, speech, and expression also act to restrict expression on the Internet and online
community formation. Legal and regulatory frameworks, including Internet law, the
state of Internet access and infrastructure, the level of economic development, and
the quality of governance institutions are central to determining which countries resort to filtering and how they choose to implement Internet content controls. A brief
study of each of these factors is included in each of the country profiles. Together,
these sections are intended to offer a concise, accurate, and unbiased view of Internet
filtering and content regulation.
Each country is given a score on a five-point scale presented in the ‘‘Results at a
Glance’’ table. The scores reflect the observed level of filtering in each of four themes:
1. Political: This category is focused primarily on Web sites that express views in opposition to those of the current government. Content more broadly related to human
rights, freedom of expression, minority rights, and religious movements is also considered here.
2. Social: This group covers material related to sexuality, gambling, and illegal drugs
and alcohol, as well as other topics that may be socially sensitive or perceived as
offensive.
The country profiles that follow offer a synopsis of the findings and conclusions of
OpenNet Initiative (ONI) research into the factors influencing specific countries’ decisions to filter or abstain from filtering the Internet, as well as the impact, relevance,
and efficacy of technical filtering in a broader context of Internet censorship.
These profiles cover the countries where ONI conducted technical testing and analysis from 2007 to 2008. Countries selected for in-depth analysis are those in which it is
believed that there is the most to learn about the extent and processes of Internet filtering.
Each country profile includes the summary results of the empirical testing for filtering. The technical filtering data alone, however, do not amount to a complete picture
of Internet censorship and content regulation. A wide range of policies relating to media, speech, and expression also act to restrict expression on the Internet and online
community formation. Legal and regulatory frameworks, including Internet law, the
state of Internet access and infrastructure, the level of economic development, and
the quality of governance institutions are central to determining which countries resort to filtering and how they choose to implement Internet content controls. A brief
study of each of these factors is included in each of the country profiles. Together,
these sections are intended to offer a concise, accurate, and unbiased view of Internet
filtering and content regulation.
Each country is given a score on a five-point scale presented in the ‘‘Results at a
Glance’’ table. The scores reflect the observed level of filtering in each of four themes:
1. Political: This category is focused primarily on Web sites that express views in opposition to those of the current government. Content more broadly related to human
rights, freedom of expression, minority rights, and religious movements is also considered here.
2. Social: This group covers material related to sexuality, gambling, and illegal drugs
and alcohol, as well as other topics that may be socially sensitive or perceived as
offensive.