The Internet is as vast and diverse as the people around the world who use it every day. Because of this diversity—both in uses and users alike—there are countless topics or initiatives we could focus on to maintain and improve the Internet for everyone.
We want our focus to reflect the passion, curiosity, and expertise of our community. That’s why every two years, our community votes on topic areas for our special interest groups.
Special interest groups are where like-minded community members can connect over the Internet issues they care about. This year, there are five new options, along with the five existing groups.
Proposals for New Special Interest Groups
Community Networks and Community Infrastructures
The Community Networks and Community Infrastructures Special Interest Group proposes to support community networking initiatives that build on community-centered infrastructure, services, and resources.
These initiatives will promote local ownership, digital inclusion, and sustainability, while advancing a shared vision of an open, accessible, and resilient Internet. Group members will help make locally owned and operated infrastructure a global priority!
Inclusive Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Standards
The Inclusive Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Standards Special Interest Group proposes to promote understanding, accessibility, and participation in open Internet standards, with a particular emphasis on IETF processes, documents, and pathways for underrepresented regions.
Group members will help reshape the IETF from the Global South. Together, they will localize, simplify, and participate—because standards need diversity and everyone’s voice!
Internet Legal
The Internet Legal Special Interest Group proposes to improve advocacy and engagement with policymakers at regional, national, and international levels to help them understand and apply our community’s messages and guidelines. This will help to positively influence decisions, laws, and regulations that impact the Internet ecosystem.
Group members will engage judges and other members of the judiciary, infuse our community’s values and initiatives with law faculties, and ensure students and their lecturers have the information and training they need so the next generation can make informed decisions about the Internet.
Internet of Things
As billions of connected devices proliferate globally, the risks of cyber threats, surveillance misuse, and conflict escalation also grow. The Internet of Things Special Interest Group proposes to help build a secure and ethical Internet of Things that promotes global peace, protects human rights, and strengthens sustainable development across all regions!
Group members will focus on addressing the growing security, governance, and ethical challenges posed by the rapid deployment of the Internet of Things, particularly in developing countries.
Meta-Layer Infrastructure
The Meta-Layer is the space in your browser where extra information appears, like pop-ups, highlights, or live indicators. Those elements are controlled by private companies, shaping how we see information, who we trust, and how we interact online—without transparency or public governance.
The Meta-Layer Infrastructure Special Interest Group proposes to help create public digital infrastructure for this shared space, so that communities—not just platforms—can help determine how trust, context, and accountability travel across the web.
Current Special Interest Groups
Affordable Internet Access Special Interest Group
The Affordable Internet Access Special Interest Group works to find affordable Internet access solutions for the world’s unconnected and economically vulnerable populations—because everyone should be able to access the Internet to freely communicate, share ideas, and conduct business.
Group members research suitable design and affordable supply of smartphones, help design a community network model, develop and supply public computer terminals, and raise awareness about affordable access issues.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Special Interest Group
Harness the benefits of artificial intelligence! The Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group works to inform people around the world about how AI improves our lives and educate them in education systems, software, machine language, healthcare, and more.
Group members organize and participate in events like webinars and roundtable discussions, analyze data, and help prepare a training program surrounding the use of AI tutoring systems and Internet access.
Cybersecurity Special Interest Group
The Cybersecurity Special Interest Group works to develop cybersecurity awareness and capacity building for policymakers, IT-related professionals, and Internet users.
Group members grow their understanding of the global cybersecurity landscape, promote cybersecurity awareness, develop specialized trainings, and contribute to relevant public policy discussions.
Internet for Education Special Interest Group
The Internet for Education Special Interest Group works to build a world where the Internet ensures inclusive, equitable education and promotes lifelong learning for all. This involves policymakers and educators creating curricula, teaching methods, and assessments compatible with both physical and e-learning platforms to ensure equal access to education.
Group members instill cyber hygiene practices across education ecosystems, support policy reforms for equitable blended learning and assessment, engage with stakeholders and communities, and develop standards and guidelines for adapting to shifting learning practices.
Online Safety Special Interest Group
The Online Safety Special Interest Group promotes and advocates for a safer and more secure online environment for everyone. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, the group helps empower users to navigate online spaces confidently.
Group members raise awareness about emerging online threats, provide practical guidance on mitigating risks, and help create a safer and more inclusive digital society through research, capacity building, and collaboration.
Vote for Your Favorites
Vote! All Internet Society members are eligible to vote for their top five topics during the voting period, which runs from 17 to 31 October 2025.
The five topics with the most votes will become the 2026-2027 special interest groups, which we will announce on 5 November 2025. I’m ready to vote!
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