14 DAY TRIAL // A new mobile tool created to test Internet censorship and network performance was launched by the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI), and it’s a project sponsored by Tor, the organization behind the Tor Browser.
So what does the app do? Well, it was created to help you see whether your country has blocked off any websites, whether there are present any systems that could be responsible for censorship or surveillance, and what the exact speed and performance of your network is. This censorship-testing tool has been available for years, but it’s only now possible to run all the tests on your phone.
While this is a cool tool to have and play with for your very own curiosities, the greater purpose is to help folks at the Open Observatory of Network Interference get a clearer view of how the Internet works in all corners of the world. You can choose what type of data to share back with OONI - IP address, network info and country name. It’s also possible to choose whether to share results publicly.
Three tests to run
What can the app do? Well, it can run three tests - web connectivity, where you can check whether there are blocked websites, HTTP invalid request-line to find “middle boxes” and NDT Speed Test, which measures network speed and performance.
The OONI web connectivity test is designed to examine whether websites are blocked and if so, how. The app can figure out whether access to sites is blocked through DNS tampering, TCP/IP blocking, or by a transparent HTTP proxy.
The tool can also be used to determine whether there are any systems in place responsible for censorship and surveillance or traffic manipulation. “It’s important to point out that not all systems that you might find are necessarily responsible for censorship and/or surveillance! Many proxy technologies, for example, are used in networks for caching purposes,” OONI points out.
The last test is related to network speed and performance, which should help provide a better understanding regarding mobile Internet speeds across the world.
A history of tests
Once you run each test, the results can be checked out directly in the app. By tapping on the hamburger button, you’ll discover the “Past Tests” button which holds the history of your tests.
Before you go on and download the app and run the tests, you should be aware there are some risks that the app warns you about before you even start. “When testing websites for censorship, you will connect to and download data from provocative or objectionable sites that might be illegal in your country. OONI’s HHTP invalid request-line test might trigger the suspicion of your ISP and could be viewed as a form of “hacking,” the warning reads. They do add, however, that no one running ooniprobe has ever faced any consequences for it.
