Allie Funk
@alfunk.bsky.social
Geeking out on human rights, tech, & internet freedom. Research director at Freedom House. Council on Foreign Relations term member. Global Network Initiative board member. She/her.
Opinions are all mine, y’all, no one else's.
Opinions are all mine, y’all, no one else's.
The 2025 edition of Freedom on the Net launches tomorrow! RSVP to our virtual event to learn the state of internet freedom: freedomhouse.org/event/report...
REPORT LAUNCH: Freedom on the Net 2025
freedomhouse.org
November 12, 2025 at 3:13 PM
The 2025 edition of Freedom on the Net launches tomorrow! RSVP to our virtual event to learn the state of internet freedom: freedomhouse.org/event/report...
Excellent analysis from @nateschenkkan.bsky.social, who literally helped build the USG's response to transnational repression
For @lawfaremedia.org, I explained how the Trump administration has destroyed promising policy progress on transnational repression in record time www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trum...
Trump Is Undermining Policies Against Transnational Repression
The Biden administration made policies to protect exiles and diasporas a priority. Trump 2.0 has already undercut these efforts.
www.lawfaremedia.org
July 2, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Excellent analysis from @nateschenkkan.bsky.social, who literally helped build the USG's response to transnational repression
Reposted by Allie Funk
We are pleased to announce the relaunch of our China Dissent Monitor!
Though we are excited, the project's funding remains limited—we urgently need more support to sustain our team's efforts to track public protest under the CCP regime.
Here's how you can help: freedomhouse.org/ways-to-give
Though we are excited, the project's funding remains limited—we urgently need more support to sustain our team's efforts to track public protest under the CCP regime.
Here's how you can help: freedomhouse.org/ways-to-give
June 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM
We are pleased to announce the relaunch of our China Dissent Monitor!
Though we are excited, the project's funding remains limited—we urgently need more support to sustain our team's efforts to track public protest under the CCP regime.
Here's how you can help: freedomhouse.org/ways-to-give
Though we are excited, the project's funding remains limited—we urgently need more support to sustain our team's efforts to track public protest under the CCP regime.
Here's how you can help: freedomhouse.org/ways-to-give
Reposted by Allie Funk
One of the things I have enjoyed the most about transitioning from academia to alt ac research in the NGO space is seeing the impacts of research in the wild. This week has been especially significant in that regard.
June 20, 2025 at 4:42 PM
One of the things I have enjoyed the most about transitioning from academia to alt ac research in the NGO space is seeing the impacts of research in the wild. This week has been especially significant in that regard.
Reposted by Allie Funk
I governi che prendono di mira le vpn stanno minacciando la libertà di internet: www.wired.it/article/cens... > @alfunk.bsky.social and Patryk Pawlak on @wired.it
I governi che prendono di mira le vpn stanno minacciando la libertà di internet
Le restrizioni alle tecnologie anticensura sono diventate una strategia sempre più comune dei regimi (e non solo): democrazie e settore privato hanno il dovere di invertire la tendenza
www.wired.it
June 25, 2025 at 6:29 AM
I governi che prendono di mira le vpn stanno minacciando la libertà di internet: www.wired.it/article/cens... > @alfunk.bsky.social and Patryk Pawlak on @wired.it
“The problem with thinking
about foreign policy purely as something to “win” is that winning is seldom final, and a
reckless victory can carry its own dangers.” 🔥
about foreign policy purely as something to “win” is that winning is seldom final, and a
reckless victory can carry its own dangers.” 🔥
I wrote a quick turn for @foreignpolicy.com on the idea of Trump as an illiberal interventionist:
foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/24/t...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/24/t...
Trump’s Illiberal Interventionism
The president swore off building nations, not destroying them.
foreignpolicy.com
June 24, 2025 at 4:13 PM
“The problem with thinking
about foreign policy purely as something to “win” is that winning is seldom final, and a
reckless victory can carry its own dangers.” 🔥
about foreign policy purely as something to “win” is that winning is seldom final, and a
reckless victory can carry its own dangers.” 🔥
We’ve got new research diving deep into how governments are restricting VPNs and end-to-end encryption, including fresh data on blocking. We also showcase stories of resilience, because it's not all bad news! freedomhouse.org/report/speci...
Tunnel Vision: Anti-censorship Tools, End-to-End Encryption and the Fight for a Free and Open Internet
Governments around the world are increasingly exerting control over the technology that people depend on to access the free and open internet.
freedomhouse.org
June 19, 2025 at 6:46 PM
We’ve got new research diving deep into how governments are restricting VPNs and end-to-end encryption, including fresh data on blocking. We also showcase stories of resilience, because it's not all bad news! freedomhouse.org/report/speci...
Excellent analysis about the global impact of an America First digital policy foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/04/t...
Brave New Techno-Nationalist World
The Trump administration is rapidly reshaping the global digital order.
foreignpolicy.com
June 5, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Excellent analysis about the global impact of an America First digital policy foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/04/t...
In Brussels on June 20? Join us for the launch event of our new report, "Tunnel Vision: Anti-censorship Tools, End-to-end Encryption, and the Fight for a Free and Open Internet," in partnership with the European University Institute. Register here: freedomhouse.org/event/shapin...
Shaping the Future of an Open and Free Internet: The Impact of Global Restrictions on Anti-Censorship and Encryption Tools
Join us for the launch of a new report, Tunnel Vision: Anti-censorship Tools, End-to-end Encryption, and the Fight for a Free and Open Internet.
freedomhouse.org
June 2, 2025 at 9:15 PM
In Brussels on June 20? Join us for the launch event of our new report, "Tunnel Vision: Anti-censorship Tools, End-to-end Encryption, and the Fight for a Free and Open Internet," in partnership with the European University Institute. Register here: freedomhouse.org/event/shapin...
Reposted by Allie Funk
"I have nothing to hide! I don't need digital privacy!" Well...
- AI companies are scraping your data
- Scammers are using AI to get better at their schemes
- And yeah, a new era of government surveillance...
A starter guide to protecting you online life:
- AI companies are scraping your data
- Scammers are using AI to get better at their schemes
- And yeah, a new era of government surveillance...
A starter guide to protecting you online life:
A Starter Guide to Protecting Your Data From Hackers and Corporations
Hackers. AI data scrapes. Government surveillance. Yeah, thinking about where to start when it comes to protecting your online privacy can be overwhelming. Here’s a simple guide for you—and anyone who...
www.wired.com
May 27, 2025 at 2:27 PM
"I have nothing to hide! I don't need digital privacy!" Well...
- AI companies are scraping your data
- Scammers are using AI to get better at their schemes
- And yeah, a new era of government surveillance...
A starter guide to protecting you online life:
- AI companies are scraping your data
- Scammers are using AI to get better at their schemes
- And yeah, a new era of government surveillance...
A starter guide to protecting you online life:
The USG's reduction in internet freedom funding upends its longstanding, bipartisan strategy.
I spoke with @ramshajahangir.bsky.social about how Freedom on the Net and the broader digital rights community have been impacted by these cuts, and how we are responding to meet this moment.
I spoke with @ramshajahangir.bsky.social about how Freedom on the Net and the broader digital rights community have been impacted by these cuts, and how we are responding to meet this moment.
In Trump's 100 days, seismic shifts in US policy and geopolitics have destabilized the global digital rights ecosystem—and raised urgent questions about its future. Ramsha Jahangir asked digital rights groups how they plan to adapt and move forward.
100 Days of Trump: Global Digital Rights and Internet Freedom Advocacy Efforts Face Generational Crisis | TechPolicy.Press
Funding cuts and geopolitical shifts threaten the survival of the global digital rights ecosystem at a moment when it is needed most, writes Ramsha Jahangir.
www.techpolicy.press
April 30, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The USG's reduction in internet freedom funding upends its longstanding, bipartisan strategy.
I spoke with @ramshajahangir.bsky.social about how Freedom on the Net and the broader digital rights community have been impacted by these cuts, and how we are responding to meet this moment.
I spoke with @ramshajahangir.bsky.social about how Freedom on the Net and the broader digital rights community have been impacted by these cuts, and how we are responding to meet this moment.
Great new piece from @freedomhouse.bsky.social's Maddie Masinsin & @thegni.bsky.social's @ramshajahangir.bsky.social on the human rights costs of data localization requirements freedomhouse.org/article/data...
Data Localization: A Global Threat to Human Rights Online
As more and more governments turn to data localization, these laws’ negative impact on digital rights are becoming increasingly clear. The multistakeholder community must come together to devise right...
freedomhouse.org
April 9, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Great new piece from @freedomhouse.bsky.social's Maddie Masinsin & @thegni.bsky.social's @ramshajahangir.bsky.social on the human rights costs of data localization requirements freedomhouse.org/article/data...
The type of leadership we need in this moment. Grateful to @abramowitz.bsky.social for filing this www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/b...
Voice of America Director Sues Trump Officials Over Shutdown
The lawsuit by the director and journalists is the latest legal challenge to the administration’s bid to dismantle the government-funded broadcaster.
www.nytimes.com
March 27, 2025 at 1:13 AM
The type of leadership we need in this moment. Grateful to @abramowitz.bsky.social for filing this www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/b...
Reposted by Allie Funk
Doing freedom in the world this year
a bald man in a car with the word witness written on his back
ALT: a bald man in a car with the word witness written on his back
media.tenor.com
March 21, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Doing freedom in the world this year
Reposted by Allie Funk
Terrible news. Freedom in the Net is incredibly valuable. I hope other funders step up with support.
I also received a termination notice for our DOS Freedom on the Net grant. The work has been championed by bipartisan admins & is the foundation for understanding & advocating for internet freedom.
We’re going to figure out a way forward. This work is too important for anyone to shut down.
We’re going to figure out a way forward. This work is too important for anyone to shut down.
Last night State Department sent Freedom House notification of termination of a multi-year, multimillion dollar grant for work on transnational repression that I spent most of the last year developing and setting up.
March 9, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Terrible news. Freedom in the Net is incredibly valuable. I hope other funders step up with support.
I also received a termination notice for our DOS Freedom on the Net grant. The work has been championed by bipartisan admins & is the foundation for understanding & advocating for internet freedom.
We’re going to figure out a way forward. This work is too important for anyone to shut down.
We’re going to figure out a way forward. This work is too important for anyone to shut down.
Last night State Department sent Freedom House notification of termination of a multi-year, multimillion dollar grant for work on transnational repression that I spent most of the last year developing and setting up.
March 8, 2025 at 10:39 PM
I also received a termination notice for our DOS Freedom on the Net grant. The work has been championed by bipartisan admins & is the foundation for understanding & advocating for internet freedom.
We’re going to figure out a way forward. This work is too important for anyone to shut down.
We’re going to figure out a way forward. This work is too important for anyone to shut down.
Reposted by Allie Funk
Last night State Department sent Freedom House notification of termination of a multi-year, multimillion dollar grant for work on transnational repression that I spent most of the last year developing and setting up.
March 8, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Last night State Department sent Freedom House notification of termination of a multi-year, multimillion dollar grant for work on transnational repression that I spent most of the last year developing and setting up.
Reposted by Allie Funk
The National Endowment for Democracy, a nonprofit that has had bipartisan support over decades for its work promoting democracy abroad, is suing the U.S. government and cabinet officials for withholding $239 million in congressional appropriations.
National Endowment for Democracy Sues Top Trump Aides Over Funding Freeze
The nonprofit has enjoyed bipartisan support since its founding in the Reagan era, but it finds itself under pressure from the Trump administration.
www.nytimes.com
March 7, 2025 at 1:10 AM
The National Endowment for Democracy, a nonprofit that has had bipartisan support over decades for its work promoting democracy abroad, is suing the U.S. government and cabinet officials for withholding $239 million in congressional appropriations.
Reposted by Allie Funk
Another alarming indicator of eroding free speech culture as well as editorial independence at VOA.
A longtime reporter is on leave and under investigation, called “treasonous” by a rep for the administration.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/28/b...
A longtime reporter is on leave and under investigation, called “treasonous” by a rep for the administration.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/28/b...
Voice of America Journalists Face Investigations for Comments About Trump
The broadcaster placed a longtime journalist on leave amid growing concerns about its editorial independence.
www.nytimes.com
March 1, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Another alarming indicator of eroding free speech culture as well as editorial independence at VOA.
A longtime reporter is on leave and under investigation, called “treasonous” by a rep for the administration.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/28/b...
A longtime reporter is on leave and under investigation, called “treasonous” by a rep for the administration.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/28/b...
“History will judge us for how we meet this moment. Failing to stand with Ukraine will not only weaken Ukraine, but also damage the security of the United States and its allies by emboldening and empowering autocracies around the world.” freedomhouse.org/article/free...
Free World Must Stand with Ukraine, Three Years After Moscow’s Full-Scale Invasion
Vladimir Putin and his enablers must be held accountable for violations of international law and national sovereignty.
freedomhouse.org
March 1, 2025 at 3:23 PM
“History will judge us for how we meet this moment. Failing to stand with Ukraine will not only weaken Ukraine, but also damage the security of the United States and its allies by emboldening and empowering autocracies around the world.” freedomhouse.org/article/free...
Reposted by Allie Funk
We at the Internet Society are deeply disappointed that Apple has had to stop offering end-to-end encryption in the UK. The following can be attributed to Dr. Joseph Lorenzo Hall, Distinguished Technologist at the Internet Society: 1/
February 21, 2025 at 4:42 PM
We at the Internet Society are deeply disappointed that Apple has had to stop offering end-to-end encryption in the UK. The following can be attributed to Dr. Joseph Lorenzo Hall, Distinguished Technologist at the Internet Society: 1/
Reposted by Allie Funk
When Levitsky and Way write the op-ed about your country
a man in a leather jacket and tie is saying cool cool cool cool cool cool cool
ALT: a man in a leather jacket and tie is saying cool cool cool cool cool cool cool
media.tenor.com
February 11, 2025 at 5:13 PM
When Levitsky and Way write the op-ed about your country
Reposted by Allie Funk
We are exceedingly disappointed to hear the UK has secretly ordered Apple to let it spy on all users’ encrypted accounts. The following can be attributed to Robin Wilton @komadori.bsky.social , Senior Director of Internet Trust:
February 7, 2025 at 8:43 PM
We are exceedingly disappointed to hear the UK has secretly ordered Apple to let it spy on all users’ encrypted accounts. The following can be attributed to Robin Wilton @komadori.bsky.social , Senior Director of Internet Trust:
Reposted by Allie Funk
US leadership on internet freedom and the free flow of information is in doubt, write Ramsha Jahangir and Justin Hendrix. Experts are concerned the US will cede important ground to China and Russia.
With US Commitment to Internet Freedom in Jeopardy, China and Russia Set to Gain | TechPolicy.Press
US leadership on internet freedom and the free flow of information in doubt, write Ramsha Jahangir and Justin Hendrix.
buff.ly
February 6, 2025 at 9:40 PM
US leadership on internet freedom and the free flow of information is in doubt, write Ramsha Jahangir and Justin Hendrix. Experts are concerned the US will cede important ground to China and Russia.
Reposted by Allie Funk
This NYT piece describes the devastation being wrought in the global health sector by the foreign assistance freeze. Let me say a few words about what this looks like in the sector I work in, often called democracy and governance (DRG). 🧵
Health Programs Shutter Around the World After Trump Pauses Foreign Aid
Lifesaving treatment and prevention programs for tuberculosis, malaria, H.I.V. and other diseases cannot access funds to continue work.
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2025 at 7:16 PM
This NYT piece describes the devastation being wrought in the global health sector by the foreign assistance freeze. Let me say a few words about what this looks like in the sector I work in, often called democracy and governance (DRG). 🧵