About

AES-451 documents modern censorship and threats to freedom of expression, with a focus on writers, journalists, publishers, artists and human rights voices.

The project examines how censorship works today: not only through book bans, prosecution or imprisonment, but also through surveillance, platform manipulation, smear campaigns, diaspora pressure, institutional caution, funding pressure, online harassment, hacking, digital threats and transnational repression.

What we focus on

We are especially interested in how censorship affects people whose work depends on writing, publishing, testimony, documentation, art, journalism or public speech.

This includes people targeted in their home countries, people living in exile, and people whose families, communities, audiences or professional lives are affected across borders.

The project looks at both visible censorship and less visible forms of pressure. A writer may not be formally banned, but may still be pushed into silence if sources become afraid, venues cancel, platforms restrict reach, publishers hesitate, or family members are threatened.

Why filmed interviews

Modern censorship can seem abstract when it is described only in technical, legal or political language. Filmed interviews allow people to explain what happened, how it affected their work, and what others need to understand.

The site will include interviews with people directly affected, as well as conversations with writers, researchers, journalists, publishers, human rights workers and digital security experts.

Safety and consent

Some people may be named publicly. Others may need anonymity, pseudonyms or limited identifying information.

We do not publish sensitive material without consent, and we consider the security risks for each person before publication.