This performance boost was achieved through the use of a technique called windowing, where only the visible area of the chart is rendered in the browser at a given time. This work is documented through the following pull request: https://github.com/ooni/explorer/pull/579

## OONI Explorer

We added support to OONI Explorer for displaying the reason for the anomaly (DNS, TCP/IP, HTTP-failure, HTTP-diff) in the search listing. This allows users to quickly look at the different types of anomalies that occur over time for a given search query (enabling the confirmation of censorship events and ruling out false positives). This work is tracked through the following GitHub issue: https://github.com/ooni/explorer/issues/438.

We also added support for filtering the WhatsApp IM test results by anomaly (https://github.com/ooni/explorer/pull/589), and we added support for running end-to-end tests of legacy YAML measurements inside of the continuous integration of OONI Explorer (https://github.com/ooni/explorer/pull/594).

## OONI backend

We added backend support for the scoring (i.e. marking them as anomalies or OK) of Signal experiment measurements: https://github.com/ooni/backend/issues/500

Due to the discontinuation of the Bintray service, we migrated all our internal Debian repositories away from the service and switched to using AWS S3 instead. This is documented through the following tickets: https://github.com/ooni/probe/issues/1440 and https://github.com/ooni/backend/issues/504.

## Academic research paper on internet censorship in Myanmar

In collaboration with CAIDA, Censored Planet, and other researchers, we worked on an academic research paper which investigates internet censorship in Myanmar following the February 2021 military coup.

As part of this paper, we analyzed relevant OONI measurements from Myanmar and documented the blocking of websites across AS networks in the country since the coup. In collaboration with Censored Planet, we discovered several cases of collateral damage (as a result of IP blocks), which we document in the paper. Researchers from CAIDA also document the nightly internet outages in Myanmar following the coup, providing detailed analysis and new findings.

We completed the writing of this paper by mid-May and submitted it to the FOCI academic journal (http://conferences.sigcomm.org/sigcomm/2021/workshop-foci.html), where it has been approved for publication.

## Research report on internet censorship in Azerbaijan

In collaboration with Azerbaijan Internet Watch, we worked on writing a joint research report that examines internet censorship in Azerbaijan over the last year. The first step though was to analyze OONI measurements collected from Azerbaijan, and so we performed relevant year-long OONI data analysis (https://github.com/ooni/ooni.org/issues/851 ). Based on this data analysis, we produced multiple charts (communicating key findings) and we wrote the technical findings.

## Improving OONI Run based on community feedback

Last year, we carried out an extensive OONI Run usability study (involving both a survey and interviews with community members) to collect community feedback on how to improve the OONI Run platform (https://run.ooni.io/). Based on this study, we published a detailed report which includes all of the feedback and findings from this study (https://ooni.org/post/2020-06-09-ooni-run-usability-study-findings/).

In May 2021, we had several dedicated team meetings during which we went through all of the community feedback, opened relevant GitHub tickets, and documented the next steps (and a relevant roadmap) for improving the OONI Run platform based on community feedback. This has been quite a lengthy process because we have had to evaluate several interdependencies (with other platforms we’re currently building), as well as the feasibility of implementing many of the community feature requests. This is an ongoing process.

## Community outreach related to the discontinuation of legacy-probe

Throughout May 2021, we continued relevant community outreach efforts in relation to the upcoming discontinuation of the legacy version of ooniprobe, which relies on v2 onion services (which are being discontinued by October 2021). As legacy ooniprobe still accounts for a relatively large percentage of global OONI measurements, we have been trying to reach these users to encourage them to switch over to the OONI Probe Command Line Interface (https://ooni.org/install/cli).

To this end, we have been sharing relevant information (including how to switch to OONI Probe CLI) with multiple community mailing lists and on our social media channels. We have also been reaching out to our partners and other community members, in an effort to reach legacy probe users.

## Test list updates

In May 2021, we contributed the following updates to the Citizen Lab test lists:

* Israel: https://github.com/citizenlab/test-lists/pull/770 (we added Palestinian news media and human rights websites to check if they’re blocked in Israel)
* Colombia: https://github.com/citizenlab/test-lists/pull/775 (we added a site which OONI data indicated was blocked, but which was not already included in the test list)

## Collaboration with Netalitica on test list updates

Netalitica researchers continued to do excellent work in reviewing and updating more Citizen Lab test lists.

In May 2021, we opened a pull request based on Netalitica updates to the Malaysian test list (https://github.com/citizenlab/test-lists/pull/772) and we reviewed their updates to the Indian test list, based on which we shared feedback for further possible improvements.

We also provided relevant data analysis support to Netalitica (https://github.com/ooni/ooni.org/issues/887), sharing statistical information on how many new censorship cases were discovered following their updates to the Citizen Lab test lists.

## Created resources for OPTIMA 2.0 training program

We previously (in late 2020) supported Internews’ OPTIMA Network Measurement Training program for advocates by creating relevant OONI resources and facilitating OONI training sessions. Information about this training program is available here: https://internews.org/resource/optima-network-measurement-training/  

In support of Internews’ OPTIMA 2.0 program (the continuation of the training program), we created (in May 2021) a new video recording and a relevant OONI quiz for training participants. We also created a resource on network measurement tools for internet shutdown advocacy.

## Organizing the 2 online OONI Partner Training events

In preparation for the 2 online OONI Partner Training events, we continued to do relevant organizational work.

In May 2021, we sent out personal invitations to more than 100 prospect participants and we prepared a draft outline of the training sessions. To ensure that participant needs are met during the training events, we created (and shared) a pre-training survey (https://forms.gle/YU4TW62LrLKmCC7N9) to collect participant feedback. The feedback shared through this survey helped inform the creation of the final training agenda.

## Updated the OONI Partners page

On our website, we feature all of our partners and their important work through our Partners page: https://ooni.org/partners

In May 2021, we updated this page to add 2 more of our partners (with whom we’ve been collaborating closely over the last few years):

* IODA: https://ooni.org/partners/ioda/
* OutRight Action International: https://ooni.org/partners/outright-action-international/

## OONI Team Meeting Day: Strategic Planning

On 5th May 2021, we had an (online) OONI Team Meeting Day focused on strategic planning.

As part of this day-long meeting, our team had the following 4 sessions:

* Session 1: Time for Reflection
* Session 2: Communications Strategies
* Session 3: What do you want OONI to be?
* Session 4: Strategic fundraising

As part of these sessions (particularly sessions 2 and 4), we had the opportunity to share knowledge and skills (with the whole OONI team) gained through the Ford Foundation Communications and Financial Resilience training programs we had participated in over the last months.

These sessions offered our team an opportunity to take a step back and brainstorm on big-picture strategic decisions and goals moving forward. Over the years, we generally have such team meetings on an annual or bi-annual basis.

In preparation for this OONI Team Meeting Day, we prepared relevant slides, resources, and hands-on exercises to ensure that the discussions are as interactive and useful as possible. As an outcome, all of our team members gained new skills and knowledge in relation to communications and fundraising strategies, and based on our brainstorming discussions and exercises, we refined our upcoming milestones.

## Ford Foundation Financial Innovation & Resilience Training

As part of our participation in the Ford Foundation’s Financial Innovation and Resilience training program, we attended a relevant workshop on 12th May 2021, and a relevant webinar on 27th May 2021.

We were offered this great opportunity because we are a grantee of the Ford Foundation, who support OONI’s community-related work. The knowledge and skills gained through this training program have helped us rethink and improve OONI’s fundraising strategies.

## Community use of OONI data

### 2020 Annual Report on Digital Rights in Venezuela

On 16th May 2021, our Venezuelan partners, IPYS Venezuela (https://ooni.org/partners/ipys-venezuela/), published their 2020 Annual Report on Digital Rights in Venezuela. As part of this report, they made use of OONI data (https://twitter.com/VEinteligente/status/1412532307248877570).

Their report is available here: https://ipysvenezuela.org/2021/05/16/32196/  

### Report on the blocking of websites in Egypt

On 24th May 2021, our Egyptian partners, Masaar - Technology and Law Community (https://ooni.org/partners/masaar/), published a research report documenting the techniques and laws around the blocking of websites in Egypt. As part of this report, they made use of OONI data.

Their report is available here: https://masaar.net/en/blocking-websites-in-egypt-techniques-and-laws/

## Community activities

### Stockholm Internet Forum 2021

On 12th May 2021, OONI’s Maria participated as a speaker on a panel discussion (“#KeepItOn: Governments weaponizing Internet shutdowns”) at the Stockholm Internet Forum 2021 (https://stockholminternetforum.se/).

As part of her participation on the panel, Maria presented OONI’s work and discussed how OONI has supported the advocacy efforts of the #KeepItOn campaign (https://www.accessnow.org/keepiton/) in fighting internet shutdowns around the world.

### OONI workshops at TechUp event

On 15th May 2021, OONI’s Maria facilitated 2 online OONI workshops for civil society communities in India and in the Philippines during the TechUp event, organized by the IO Foundation (https://www.theiofoundation.org/techup/).  

As part of these 2 workshops, Maria presented OONI’s tools, methodologies, and dataset, and provided live demos explaining how participants can use OONI Explorer (https://explorer.ooni.org/) to track censorship events worldwide in real-time.

As part of outreach efforts, we created an OONI e-booth on TechUp’s Airmeet platform. This provided OONI resources and information for civil society communities in Asia.

### Localization Lab Summit 2021

On 21st and 28th May 2021, we attended the Localization Lab Summit 2021 (https://www.localizationlab.org/localization-summit-2021-sessions), during which we had the opportunity to meet with the Localization Lab community, learn about emerging digital rights threats around the world, and unmet community needs. We also had the opportunity to connect with funders and the developers of other internet freedom tools, and to learn more about localization needs and challenges.

Given that the translation and overall localization of the OONI Probe apps is supported by the Localization Lab community, this was a very important opportunity for us to learn more about community needs and challenges, which helps inform the development and improvement of our tools.

### OONI training facilitated by Cameroonian partners

In May 2021, our Cameroonian partner, COMPSUDEV (https://ooni.org/partners/compsudev/), collaborated with AfroLeadership (https://afroleadership.org/) on organizing and facilitating a 2-day training event (“Building Evidence for Internet Rights Advocacy”) for civil society groups in Cameroon.

As part of this training event, they facilitated OONI workshops with the goal of introducing participants to OONI’s tools, methodologies, and dataset. More specifically, they walked through the OONI Probe apps (explaining how participants can use them to measure internet censorship), demoed OONI Explorer (explaining how they can find and use OONI data as part of advocacy), and collected participant feedback. We are very grateful for these community-initiated OONI workshops!

### OONI feedback collected from civil society in Tanzania

In May 2021, Tanzania’s Zaina Foundation carried out a Feedback Collection project for several open source tools, including OONI. As part of this, they asked community members in Tanzania to share their feedback on OONI Probe and OONI Explorer.

Following this project, Zaina Foundation shared with us the feedback they collected from human rights defenders in Tanzania for the improvement of OONI Probe and OONI Explorer.

### OONI guide by Fundación Karisma

Starting on 26th May 2021, OONI measurements collected from Colombia started to show:

* Blocking of ghostbin.co: https://explorer.ooni.org/search?until=2021-06-02&since=2021-05-03&domain=ghostbin.co&probe_cc=CO&only=anomalies
* Blocking of archive.org: https://explorer.ooni.org/search?until=2021-06-02&since=2021-05-03&domain=archive.org&probe_cc=CO&only=anomalies

To encourage further testing, our Colombian partner, Fundación Karisma (https://ooni.org/partners/karisma-foundation/), wrote and published a short OONI guide (in Spanish): https://web.karisma.org.co/micro-guia-para-el-uso-de-ooni/. They also promoted their OONI guide (and OONI Probe testing) on their social media channels: https://twitter.com/Karisma/status/1398372339918721030

### OONI Community Meeting

On 25th May 2021, we hosted the monthly OONI Community Meeting on our Slack channel (https://slack.ooni.org/), during which we discussed the following topics:

1. Updates regarding the new web platform for suggesting updates/edits to the Citizen Lab test lists. How shall we deal with dead URLs that still remain blocked in a given country?

2. Pluggable transport implementation in any networking system, and the current state of obfs4 support in OONI Probe.

## Userbase

In May 2021, 10,261,241 OONI Probe measurements were collected from 5,132 AS networks in 191 countries around the world.

This information can also be found through our measurement stats on OONI Explorer (see chart on “monthly coverage worldwide”): https://explorer.ooni.org/

~ OONI team.