The CGCS research team has designed innovative frameworks and techniques to examine the dynamic legal, political, economic, social, and technological processes that affect the development of media policy in complex and challenging societies. Through research conducted as part of its programs, such as the Iran Media Program, the Internet Policy Observatory, and the Sudan Public Opinion Research program, CGCS has developed pioneering methodological approaches for survey design and implementation in restrictive environments with limitations on free speech and access to information.

In addition to focusing on analysis of media policy, CGCS leverages new technologies to monitor and analyze Internet usage and infrastructure, implementation of censorship mechanisms, and policy assumptions on both the domestic and international level.