OONI Probe is a mobile app developed by the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI), a non-profit, free software project that aims to increase transparency of internet censorship and net neutrality violations around the world.
By running OONI Probe, you:
Once you have run tests, you will be able to view the results directly in the app. All network measurement data will also be published, increasing transparency of potential net neutrality violations.
How does the app work?
The OONI Probe app includes the following tests: First, the NDT Speed Test measures speed and performance. Second, the DASH Streaming Test measures video streaming performance. Finally, the Web Connectivity Test checks whether and how websites are blocked.
What is the test doing and how does it work?
1. Collecting evidence of Internet censorship. OONI's Web Connectivity test measures whether access to sites is blocked through DNS tampering, TCP/IP blocking, or by a transparent HTTP proxy. By running this test, you will collect data that can serve as evidence of Internet censorship, and you will be provided with circumvention tips.
2. Measuring the speed and performance of your network. OONI's implementation of the Network Diagnostic Test (NDT) measures the speed and performance of your network. OONI’s DASH test measures video streaming performance.
Where does the data go?
OONI publishes all network measurement data that it collects and processes because open data allows third parties to conduct independent studies, to verify OONI findings and/or to answer other research questions. Such data also helps increase transparency around internet censorship and various forms of network interference. All data is published on OONI Explorer and on the OONI API.
Once you have run each test, you should be able to view the results of your tests directly in the app.
What if it says my connection is slow or inconsistent?
By contributing performance information through the use of OONI Probe, you have already helped call attention to how interconnection affects broadband access. While this doesn’t fix problems immediately, this is a big step toward real accountability and change.
A single test may not definitely prove that censorship exists, but the more data collected from different Internet users and different locations, the more advocates can demonstrate censorship, call attention to negative behavior, and push for change. To do this, we need data from many users over a long time period during different hours of the day.
Do those scary risks listed when I open the app apply to me?
Probably not. The warnings you see on first use are intended to protect individuals in countries with strict censorship laws, and are probably not relevant to users in the US.
