The RDR Index offers a roadmap for companies to improve. It is also a tool for other stakeholders to move companies in the right direction. Our theory of change is based on the power of benchmarking companies with indicators that set high but achievable standards for corporate transparency and rights-respecting policies.

The RDR Index methodology serves as a tool for companies to plan and make changes. The RDR Index data helps companies and others track how much progress they have made (or not made), then take specific actions that help (or push) companies to move further in the right direction:

• COMPANIES improve disclosures and policies in response to their RDR Index results. They do this not only because it is necessary for their reputation in the media, but to demonstrate that they are acting in good faith as stewards of and conduits for their users’ speech, knowledge, private information, and communications. (Learn more about our impact on companies.)

Getting companies to design and operate their products and services in a way that sustains human rights requires an ecosystem of stakeholders working together with a shared set of standards that articulate clear benchmarks for achieving our shared vision:

• [expand title=”INVESTORS use the RDR Index to inform analysis and due diligence, company engagement, and decisions about their stock portfolios.” alt=”Read More” elwraptag=”div” elwrapclass=”about_wrapper” tag=”span” targclass=”about_wrapper_content” trigclass=”arrowright”]Companies are motivated to improve disclosures and policies to gain investor confidence and boost the value of the company. (Read about our impact on investors.) [/expand]
• [expand title=”RESEARCHERS use our open methodology to evaluate more companies, and verify company disclosures.” alt=”Read More” elwraptag=”div” elwrapclass=”about_wrapper” tag=”span” targclass=”about_wrapper_content” trigclass=”arrowright”]The RDR Index looks at companies’ global operations. Researchers adapt our methodology to evaluate companies at the local, national, and regional levels. Their data and analysis brings the roadmap for change to a broader range of companies, and informs the work of all other stakeholders at a more local level. Researchers can also use RDR Index data as a starting point for testing whether companies are actually doing what their policies claim. When they do this, companies have even stronger incentives to ensure that their actual practices around the world are consistent with the policies they disclose, for fear of reputational damage, regulatory backlash, and loss of user trust if researchers uncover discrepancies. (Read about our impact through researchers.) [/expand]
• [expand title=”ACTIVISTS use the RDR Index and related research to hold companies accountable.” alt=”Read More” elwraptag=”div” elwrapclass=”about_wrapper” tag=”span” targclass=”about_wrapper_content” trigclass=”arrowright”] In media campaigns and other advocacy activities, good company practice is praised, while practice that fails to respect users’ rights is critiqued, accompanied by recommendations for specific changes as well as appropriate regulation or legal reform. Companies make changes in response to these advocacy efforts, and to pre-empt regulation. (Read about our impact through activists.) [/expand]
• [expand title=”POLICYMAKERS use the RDR Index to inform regulations that protect internet users’ rights.” alt=”Read More” elwraptag=”div” elwrapclass=”about_wrapper” tag=”span” targclass=”about_wrapper_content” trigclass=”arrowright”] They also use the RDR Index methodology and results to inform other government actions that impose requirements and create strong incentives for companies to respect users’ freedom of expression and privacy rights. (Read about our impact through policymakers.) [/expand]
• [expand title=”MEDIA report on the RDR Index.” alt=”Read More” elwraptag=”div” elwrapclass=”about_wrapper” tag=”span” targclass=”about_wrapper_content” trigclass=”arrowright”] Journalists also report on the activities and statements of activists, researchers, investors, and policymakers that are influenced or informed by the RDR Index. This media attention causes companies concerned with brand reputation and user trust to pay more attention to the RDR Index and work to improve policies and disclosures. The media coverage also has a direct impact on consumer choice and public opinion about the companies, which in turn influences policymakers and investment professionals who hear from constituents and clients. (See our media coverage.)[/expand]