Applications are open for the 2025 Information Controls Fellowship Program (ICFP). This fellowship program supports research and innovation to address internet censorship and surveillance, which threaten global democracy and human rights. ICFP funds researchers investigating how governments restrict internet access, employ censorship or impose surveillance. The program also supports solutions to mitigate these threats.

Fellowships range from 3 to 12 months and include a monthly stipend plus travel and equipment allowances based on the fellowship duration. Fellows work full-time with a host organization chosen by the applicant, which can be academic or non-academic and located globally.

Contracts are performance-based, with funding tied to deliverables outlined in the proposal. Fellows work closely with OTF program managers to monitor and evaluate based on agreed metrics and goals.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: February 28, 2025, 11:59 PM GMT
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Organizer: Open Technology Fund (OTF)
• Eligible Countries: All countries except those under U.S. trade restrictions
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Researchers, doctoral/postdoctoral students, and practitioners
• Focus Area: Internet censorship, surveillance, information controls, digital rights
• Duration: 3 to 12 months
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Locally or remotely

Benefits and Financial Aids

The selected fellows will benefit from the program as follows:

• Monthly Stipend: USD 7,000
• Travel Stipend: $1,250 to USD 5,000 based on fellowship duration
• Equipment Stipend: $1,250 to USD 5,000 based on fellowship duration
• Mentorship and Guidance: Access to OTF program managers for project evaluation and support
• Networking Opportunities: Collaboration with global experts and host organizations
• Flexibility: Fellows can work locally or remotely, depending on their situation

Potential Areas of Focus

The ICFP focuses on the following areas:

• Develop and refine tools to monitor global internet interference.
• Investigate information controls, security, and privacy in popular platforms (e.g., search engines, social media, messaging apps).
• Leverage open data to analyze information control methods and targets.
• Test new protocols and creative methods for censorship circumvention and analyze network interference.
• Examine the impact of internet censorship and circumvention tools.
• Explore techniques to reduce pro-government manipulation of online discussions.
• Research emerging state-sponsored surveillance and targeted digital threats, including DDoS attacks, phishing, and malware.
• Study the role of AI and machine learning in digital surveillance in repressive environments.
• Investigate quantum computing’s implications for internet freedom and censorship evasion.
• Explore other innovative ideas addressing global and regional information controls.

Things to Avoid:

• Focusing on countries with minimal information controls.
• Working with a host organization you are already affiliated with.
• Testing end-user connections that breach ethical principles.
• Reverse engineering apps unrelated to state-led mass surveillance or targeted attacks.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply for this fellowship?

• The application is open to experienced researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
• Includes students, junior to mid-career practitioners, and experts in fields such as:
  • Computer science
  • Engineering
  • Information security research
  • Software development
  • Social sciences
  • Law
  • Data visualization
• Applicants must:
  • Be of any age, nationality, gender, or residency (except in countries under U.S. trade restrictions or export sanctions).
  • Demonstrate skills to address challenges related to information controls.
  • Show a willingness to grow knowledge and skills through interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Commit to engaging audiences beyond the research community.

Selection Process and Criteria

The application evaluation is highlighted as follows:

• Applications are reviewed by the OTF team and the independent ICFP Advisory Council, comprising experts in internet freedom.
• Proposals are evaluated on originality, feasibility, and relevance to the mission of promoting Internet freedom.

How to Apply?

Submit your application via the online application system in two stages:

• Stage 1: Submit a concept note via OTF’s online application system.
• Stage 2: Selected candidates will be invited to submit a full proposal with their proposed host organization.

Apply Now

Important Notes:

• Projects must be original, precise, and relevant to promoting online freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.
• Objectives should be ambitious, measurable, and achievable, with monthly activities and milestones.
• Goals should extend beyond traditional research communities.
• Fellows must work full-time with their host organization throughout the fellowship.
• Individuals in the U.S. must secure appropriate work authorization (e.g., students with an I-20 visa should apply for Curricular Practical Training).
• Review the Privacy and Information Sharing Policy before submitting your application.

For further details and information, please review the ICFP Applicant Guidebook or the official OTF website. If you have questions, attend a live Q&A session or submit them via the provided form.

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