About the data

The 2019 Ranking Digital Rights Corporate Accountability Index evaluated 24 of the world's most powerful internet, mobile and telecommunications companies on their disclosed commitments and policies affecting freedom of expression and privacy of internet users across the world. 

Now in its fourth iteration, the RDR Index has continued to expand each year. Beginning in 2015, RDR evaluated 16 internet and telecommunications companies using 31 indicators. Then in 2017, RDR evalutated 22 telecommunications, internet and mobile companies using a revised methodology made up of 35 indicators. Now the fourth edition of the RDR Index has grown to include two more companies, for a total of 24, and RDR is looking to once again revise its methodology and add companies for the next edition of the ranking, scheduled for 2021. 

As a note: with the revision of Ranking Digital Rights' methodology in 2017, the 2015 scores are not easily comparable to the second, third and fourth rankings. 

The Freedom of Expression category contains 11 indicators that measure corporate disclosure of policies affecting users' freedom of expression. Indicators in this category evaluate whether tha company demonstrates concrete ways in which it respects users' right to freedom of expression, as articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and other international human rights instruments. A company's disclosed policies should demonstrate how it works to avoid contributing to actions that may interfere with this right, except where such actions are lawful, proportionate, and for a justifiable purpose. Companies that perform well in this category demonstrate a strong public commitment to transparency, not only in terms of how they comply with laws and regulations or respond to government demands, but also how they determine, communicate and enforce private rules and commercial practices that affect users' freedom of expression.   

For a list of indicators in the Freedom of Expression category and their results in 2015, see https://rankingdigitalrights.org/index2015/categories/freedom-of-expression/

For a list of indicators in the Freedom of Expression category and their results in 2017, see https://rankingdigitalrights.org/index2017/categories/freedom-of-expression/

For a list of indicators in the Freedom of Expression category and their results in 2018, see https://rankingdigitalrights.org/index2018/categories/freedom-of-expression/

For a list of indicators in the Freedom of Expression category and their results in 2019, see https://rankingdigitalrights.org/index2019/categories/freedom-of-expression/

For most recent full results, methodology and background, see https://rankingdigitalrights.org/index2017

For a list of indicators in the Freedom of Expression category and their results, check how the company ranked in this report

For full results, methodology and background, see this page