Event Details: 

• Date: December 19, 2024 
• Time: 3:00 PM – 3:35 PM UTC 
• Format: Virtual Event (Online) 

About the Event

GreatFire’s App Censorship Project team is excited to invite you to the launch of the App Freedom Index 2024 (AFI), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting transparency and accountability within the global app ecosystem. 

In an era where digital platforms play a pivotal role in information dissemination and communication, understanding and monitoring app censorship is more critical than ever.

The App Freedom Index (AFI) is being developed as an annual index that evaluates the level of app freedom across various countries and platforms. The 2024 AFI serves as a prototype. In 2025, the methodology and data collection will be refined, and the next version will include data from both the AppleCensorship and GoogleCensorship platforms. Additionally, qualitative measurements will be incorporated using external sources of information, covering legal, economic, and social indicators to provide a more comprehensive assessment of app freedom. 

By analyzing data from key sources and incorporating qualitative assessments, the AFI aims to:

• Measure Online Restrictions: Provide a comprehensive tool to assess and compare app freedom globally and contribute to the monitoring of online freedom of information and expression.

• Promote Transparency: Shed light on app access restrictions and censorship practices within app stores.

• Hold Tech Companies Accountable: Encourage responsible policies and actions from tech giants.

Event Agenda

1. Welcome and Introduction to the App Freedom Index

• Speaker: Benjamin Ismail, App Censorship Project Director 

• Overview of the AFI and its significance in today's digital landscape 

• The Need for Transparency and Accountability 

          • Discussion on the importance of monitoring app censorship 

          • How the AFI contributes to safeguarding digital rights and freedom of expression 

2. Methodology for the App Freedom Index 2025

• Speaker: App Censorship Project Researcher 

• Presentation of the comprehensive methodology planned for AFI 2025 

          • Integration of data from AppleCensorship and GoogleCensorship platforms 

          • Introduction of qualitative measurements through surveys covering technical, legal, and case study perspectives 

3. Unveiling the App Freedom Index 2024

• Presentation of the inaugural AFI 2024

          • Methodology based on data from AppleCensorship.com 

          • Explanation of the simplified approach for this first iteration 

• Key Findings and Rankings 

          • Brief commentary on the results 

          • Highlights of app store rankings 

          • Notable trends and observations 

4. Conclusion and Call for Collaboration

• Invitation for feedback and contributions to enhance the AFI 2025 

• Emphasis on the collective effort needed to promote app freedom 

5. Q&A Session

• Open floor for questions and comments from attendees 

Why Attend? 

• Insightful Discussions: Learn about the current state of app freedom and censorship globally. 

• Contribute to Change: Discover how you can help develop the AFI and make a tangible impact on promoting digital rights. 

• Share Your Perspectives: Provide valuable feedback and insights that will assist in refining the App Freedom Index 2025's methodology and focus areas. 

How to Join 

Please RSVP by December 12, 2024, by emailing us at [email protected]. Upon confirmation, we will provide you with the virtual event access details. 

We look forward to your participation in this significant event as we work together to enhance transparency and protect digital rights within the app ecosystem.

Warm regards,

The GreatFire App Censorship Project Team 

About GreatFire's App Censorship Project 

The App Censorship Project (AppCensorship.org) is dedicated to exposing and combating app censorship worldwide. Through our platforms AppleCensorship.com and GoogleCensorship.org, we monitor the availability of apps across different countries and regions, identifying instances where apps are censored or removed from app stores. Our mission is to promote transparency, hold tech companies accountable, and advocate for the unrestricted flow of information. 

• AppleCensorship.com (launched in January 2019) allows users to search for apps and check their availability in various countries' Apple App Stores. By highlighting discrepancies and removals, we shed light on censorship practices and advocate for greater transparency from Apple. 

• GoogleCensorship.org (launched in September 2024) performs a similar function for the Google Play Store, monitoring app availability and censorship on Android devices globally. 

In the coming months, AppCensorship.org will evolve into a unified platform that integrates data from both AppleCensorship and GoogleCensorship. This will allow users to compare censorship trends and policies across the two largest app distribution platforms in the world. 

Feedback & Queries 

Your engagement and feedback are invaluable to us as we work to enhance openness and accessibility in the digital world. 

Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or visit our website AppCensorship.org for more information. 

Join us in advancing transparency and protecting digital rights within the app ecosystem.