World Day Against Cyber Censorship

World Day Against Cyber Censorship is an international observance dedicated to opposing online censorship. The Internet is a space where people can encounter a wide range of perspectives on any given issue. Its value lies in this diversity. When information considered undesirable by governments or organizations is blocked, it becomes impossible to assess events objectively. Information becomes one sided and biased. The holiday is observed annually on March 12.

History

World Day Against Cyber Censorship was established in 2008 through the efforts of two organizations: Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International. Online censorship prevents people from accessing information objectively, which in turn hinders scientific and technological progress.

The first major attempt to regulate online content in the United States occurred in 1996. A federal law sought to restrict the distribution of material considered offensive, but most of its provisions were found unconstitutional. In 1998, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act was passed, establishing strict protections for certain types of intellectual property online.

One of the most notable examples of widespread censorship today is in China. In 1998, the country launched the Golden Shield Project, a nationwide firewall designed to filter online content deemed harmful or threatening to social unity or state integrity. Many VPN services are banned, making it difficult for citizens to access websites and applications available in other parts of the world. World Day Against Cyber Censorship highlights the global problem of excessive online restrictions.

Interesting Facts

• More than 40 percent of all Internet users rely on VPN services. For many, this is the only way to access websites or applications blocked in their region.
• According to a 2012 survey, about 71 percent of respondents believed that some level of online censorship should exist to reduce the spread of fraudulent websites and terrorist content.

How to Take Part

Learn more about the history of online censorship and how it affects access to information. Use a VPN to explore how content restrictions differ across countries.

Share posts about the observance on social media. Discuss with others what responsible Internet regulation should look like and what forms of censorship, if any, might be justified.

When is World Day Against Cyber Censorship in 2026?

World Day Against Cyber Censorship is observed on March 12 each year.

Observations