Open Technology Fund Information Controls Research Program 2026 Opens Applications for Internet Freedom Researchers ·Unknown

The Open Technology Fund (OTF) has opened applications for the Information Controls Research Program (ICRP) 2026, a global research fellowship supporting innovative studies focused on internet censorship, digital surveillance, and efforts to protect online freedom in highly restricted information environments.

The programme, formerly known as the Information Controls Fellowship Program, provides financial support to researchers investigating how authoritarian governments restrict access to information, disrupt internet connectivity, deploy censorship systems, and implement surveillance technologies.

Through the 2026 funding cycle, OTF aims to support researchers developing practical solutions and technical approaches that strengthen internet freedom, improve digital security, and support communities affected by information restrictions.

The application window will run from 27 July 2026 to 7 September 2026, with successful projects expected to begin from 1 March 2027.

About the Information Controls Research Program

The Information Controls Research Program supports applied research that examines emerging threats to internet freedom and develops strategies to counter digital restrictions.

The programme encourages multidisciplinary research from applicants working across fields such as:

• Computer science and engineering
• Information security and cybersecurity
• Software development
• Social sciences
• Digital rights research
• Data analysis and visualisation
• Technology policy and internet governance

ICRP researchers are expected to produce practical outputs that contribute to the global internet freedom community and improve tools used to protect access to information in restrictive environments.

OTF particularly encourages applications from researchers in the majority world and individuals with experience living or working in environments affected by censorship, surveillance, or digital restrictions.

Fellowship Funding and Benefits

Successful ICRP researchers receive financial support to conduct full-time research projects hosted by approved organisations.

The fellowship provides:

• Three, six, nine, or twelve-month research stipends
• Monthly stipend of US$7,000
• Travel support of up to US$5,000, depending on project requirements
• Equipment support of up to US$5,000, subject to approval

Funding is provided through performance-based contracts, with monthly payments dependent on satisfactory progress and approval from OTF and the host organisation.

Eligible Applicants and Research Community

The programme welcomes applications from a wide range of researchers, including:

• Doctoral students
• Postdoctoral researchers
• Independent researchers
• Junior and mid-career technology practitioners
• Professionals outside academic institutions

Applicants must demonstrate expertise relevant to internet freedom research and show how their work will contribute to improving digital rights protection, censorship resistance technologies, or online security tools.

Projects must include a technical component or practical research output that can benefit communities operating in restricted information environments.

Priority Research Areas

OTF has identified several areas of interest for the 2026 Information Controls Research Program.

Potential research topics include:

• Monitoring internet interference and analysing network disruptions
• Studying censorship mechanisms used by governments and other actors
• Investigating privacy and security risks in popular digital platforms, including social media, search engines, messaging applications, and artificial intelligence tools
• Developing methods to bypass censorship and internet shutdowns
• Evaluating the impact of internet restrictions and circumvention technologies
• Researching digital threats targeting civil society organisations and human rights defenders
• Analysing state-sponsored surveillance techniques and emerging cyber threats
• Examining the spread of information control technologies between countries
• Studying artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in digital repression
• Exploring quantum computing-related risks and opportunities for internet freedom
• Developing new approaches to understanding global information controls

Projects should focus on environments where information restrictions are significant and should demonstrate clear relevance to OTF’s mission of protecting global internet freedom.

Host Organisation Requirements

ICRP researchers are required to work with a host organisation during their fellowship period.

Applicants may identify a preferred host organisation, including:

• Academic institutions
• Civil society organisations
• Technology organisations
• International organisations
• Non-US based organisations

Applicants are encouraged to contact proposed host organisations before submitting applications, as collaboration strengthens project proposals.

Researchers are expected to work full-time with their host organisation, although remote arrangements may be considered if a suitable communication strategy is established.

Applicants without a confirmed host organisation may still apply. If selected, OTF may assist in identifying an appropriate host institution.

Application Process and Important Dates

The ICRP application process consists of two stages.

Stage One: Concept Note Submission

Applicants must submit a concept note through OTF’s online application system by:

7 September 2026, 23:59 GMT

Required materials include:

• Completed concept note application form
• Applicant CV or resume
• Evidence of departmental support for full-time PhD students, where applicable

Concept notes will undergo review, with decisions expected by:

31 October 2026

Stage Two: Full Proposal Review

Selected applicants will be invited to submit a detailed proposal together with their proposed host organisation.

The final review will involve the OTF team and the independent ICRP Advisory Council, which consists of experts in internet freedom, digital rights, cybersecurity, and technology governance.

Eligibility Restrictions

Certain applicants and organisations are not eligible for funding.

Restrictions include:

• Individuals or organisations involved in developing, selling, or marketing surveillance technologies
• Applicants listed on government sanctions or exclusion databases
• Projects that focus only on advocacy or policy research without technical components
• Research involving unethical testing of users, personal data, or private systems

Applicants must also comply with relevant international regulations and OTF contractual requirements.

Advancing Global Internet Freedom Through Research

The Open Technology Fund Information Controls Research Program provides researchers with an opportunity to investigate pressing challenges affecting digital access, privacy, and online freedom.

By supporting practical research, technical innovation, and collaboration between researchers and host organisations, the programme aims to strengthen tools and strategies that protect communities living under restrictive information environments.

Researchers interested in contributing to the future of internet freedom are encouraged to submit applications before the September 2026 deadline.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.