Our Research Focus

COMPSUDEV conducts research to document and measure internet censorship, network interference, and digital rights violations in Cameroon. Our work contributes to global knowledge on internet freedom and informs advocacy efforts to protect digital rights.

We partner with OONI (Open Observatory of Network Interference) to use standardized measurement tools and methodologies, ensuring our findings are comparable with global data and contribute to international research on internet censorship.

Key Research Areas

Internet Shutdowns

Documenting and analyzing internet shutdowns in Cameroon, particularly during political crises and unrest. We track duration, scope, and impact on communities.

Website Blocking & Filtering

Measuring website blocking and content filtering practices by ISPs and government authorities, particularly targeting news sites and social media platforms.

Network Throttling

Analyzing network speed degradation and throttling of specific services or platforms as a form of internet censorship.

Privacy & Surveillance

Researching digital surveillance practices and their impact on privacy rights, freedom of expression, and civil society activities.

Digital Rights Violations

Documenting violations of digital rights including harassment, intimidation, and arrests related to online activities.

Policy Analysis

Analyzing telecommunications and digital security policies and their impact on digital rights and internet freedom.

Key Findings

Internet Shutdowns Impact

Cameroon has experienced significant internet shutdowns, including:

  • First shutdown: January - April 2017 (93 days)
  • Second shutdown: October 2017 - March 2018
  • Multiple brief shutdowns and partial restrictions during political crises

These shutdowns severely impacted businesses, education, healthcare, and civil society activities.

Website Blocking Patterns

Systematic blocking of websites related to:

  • News and independent media outlets
  • Social media platforms during sensitive periods
  • Human rights and civil society organizations
  • Digital activism and anonymous communication platforms

Surveillance & Targeting

Civil society activists and digital rights defenders face:

  • Monitoring of social media activities and communications
  • Targeted harassment and intimidation online and offline
  • Arbitrary arrests related to online activities
  • Digital and physical threats due to digital rights work

Access Disparities

Significant digital divide in Cameroon:

  • Limited internet access in rural communities
  • High cost of data and connectivity
  • Inadequate digital infrastructure in marginalized regions
  • Unequal impact of shutdowns on different communities

Publications & Resources

Our research has been published through various channels and contributes to global knowledge on internet freedom:

OONI Data & Reports

Our network measurements are published on the OONI partnership page, contributing to the global OONI database.

Censorship Measurement Results

We publish regular reports documenting internet censorship measurements and network interference in Cameroon.

Policy Briefs

We develop policy briefs and position papers on digital rights, internet freedom, and telecommunications policy in Cameroon.

Case Studies

Detailed case studies documenting specific incidents of censorship, surveillance, or digital rights violations.

Partnership with OONI

Since 2019, COMPSUDEV has been the primary OONI partner in Cameroon, conducting network measurements and contributing to global research on internet censorship. Our partnership includes:

Network Measurements

Regular OONI Probe measurements to detect website blocking, throttling, and other forms of censorship.

Data Analysis

Analysis and interpretation of measurement data to identify trends and patterns in censorship.

Report Generation

Publishing findings and contributing to OONI reports on internet censorship in Cameroon.

Advocacy Support

Using research findings to support digital rights advocacy and policy change efforts.

Support Our Research

Help us continue documenting digital rights violations and advocating for internet freedom in Cameroon

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