Around the world, our 130 chapters and special interest groups work locally, regionally, and globally to keep the Internet a force for good: open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. Several of our chapters have already kicked off their work in 2026—here is an overview of just some of their activities over the last few weeks.
Connectivity
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe Chapter used our Community Network Do-It-Yourself Toolkit to conduct an initial assessment toward establishing a community digital hub in Sigola, a rural community in Zimbabwe. The goal of the project is to reduce rural-urban inequalities and expand participation in the digital economy.
The communities most affected by the digital divide are also among the most marginalized. Find out how we work to close the digital divide.
Security
🇱🇸 Lesotho Chapter hosted a cybersecurity workshop for parliamentarians, police, and judiciary, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Internet secure, safe, and trusted, while protecting its open and global nature.
🇲🇽 Mexico Chapter held a cybersecurity course for parents at the Universidad de Guadalajara. The chapter delivered two sessions, with over 500 people attending in total, highlighting the strong interest and engagement from the community.
Strong security fosters trust in the Internet, enabling it to drive economic and social innovation. Learn more about how we support security efforts around the world.
Internet Policy
🇮🇱 Israel Chapter filed an amicus petition in ZIRA v. Google, a case that attempts to impose liability on public DNS resolvers to block online piracy. The filing references our resources on DNS blocking and our Amicus Program provided case studies and research. Court proceedings will continue over the coming weeks.
🇸🇬 Singapore Chapter held a hybrid ‘reading party’ during its end-of-year meetup, where they discussed policies that are out for public consultation, including the Singapore Cybersecurity Agency’s (CSA) post-quantum migration framework.
We help governments make informed decisions by educating policymakers on how the Internet actually works and what’s at stake if things change.
Privacy
🇲🇱 Mali Chapter kicked off the third phase of its nationwide awareness campaign for safe and responsible Internet use, with a particular focus on social media. This campaign is supported by Orange Mali and the Internet Society Foundation. So far, the chapter has reached 12 high schools and over 5,500 people. Safe and responsible use of social media is a priority in Mali—educating Internet users can help prevent reactive safety policies and Internet shutdowns.
We educate communities on the benefits of maintaining strong online privacy and how to manage their online identities.
How the Internet Works
🇱🇧 Lebanon Chapter, in collaboration with LEBIX, hosted a workshop on Building Digital Resilience: The Importance of IXPs for Critical Infrastructure, highlighting the essential role Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) play in strengthening national digital infrastructure and resilience. More than 50 participants from across the technical community—including government officials, academia, operators, regulators, private‑sector stakeholders, and prospective new network members—took part. Participants explored how IXPs enhance connectivity, improve efficiency, and reinforce national digital sovereignty, while also learning about the benefits and membership criteria of LEBIX, Lebanon’s community‑driven, non‑profit IXP platform.
🇯🇵 Japan Chapter held a Birds of a Feather (BoF) session during Japan Internet Week to discuss its activities and achievements in 2025, and our 2026 Action Plan. The chapter actively takes part in organizing Internet Week, the largest annual gathering of the Internet community in Japan.
🇺🇬 Uganda Chapter took a stand against government-mandated Internet shutdowns and social media blocking, issuing a public statement urging the government to restore full Internet access in Uganda. The chapter emphasized the negative impact on people and businesses, and used Internet Society Pulse NetLoss data to show the overall impact on Uganda’s economy.
Open, transparent, and collaborative processes, along with decentralized ownership, make the global Internet what it is. Learn more about how we support this.
Get involved! Find your local Internet Society chapter or join a special interest group to take action to make global change.
Image © Internet Society Mali Chapter, © Internet Society Zimbabwe Chapter, © Internet Society Mexico Chapter, © Internet Society Mali Chapter, © Internet Society Lebanon Chapter, © Internet Society Japan Chapter