Internet
Governance

How the Internet is governed directly impacts our economic and social opportunities now and far into the future.

Internet governance refers to how the Internet is managed. The way in which the Internet is governed impacts how we use it and how it evolves.

The Internet’s success is rooted in how it was built and able to grow: an open platform for innovation and sharing of ideas. This openness has defined the Internet from the outset and has enabled it to become a strong tool for positive change.

But sometimes, proposed policies and regulations oppose the open nature of the Internet, whether they intend to or not. This puts everything we know and love about the Internet at risk.

The Opportunity

The Internet cannot be regulated in a top-down manner or controlled by any given entity. Its governance must be based on processes that are decentralized, inclusive, transparent, accountable, and driven by consensus to ensure it remains a place of opportunity for everyone.

Fortunately, there is a model in place that people worldwide are fighting to protect.

This is referred to in the policy world as the “multistakeholder approach.” It means that everyone who has a stake in the future of the Internet needs to have a voice in how it’s run.

Learn Why the Multistakeholder Approach Works

A team of individuals working together at a table

Internet Governance Events

Several Internet policy issues are debated in local, regional, and global events and meetings. These meetings include relevant actors–everyday Internet users, businesses, and governments–in their conversations, allowing a more inclusive flow of ideas and perspectives to help determine what is best for the Internet and its users.

2024 Events

Com-ITU meeting (CWGs and TSAG coordination meeting), 17 January 2024, online meeting
2^nd APT Preparatory meeting for WTSA-24 (APT WTSA24-2), 5–6 February 2024, virtual meeting
2^nd ATU Preparatory meeting for WTSA-24 and 1^stPreparatory meeting for WTDC-25, 5-9 February 2024, Nairobi, Kenya
Com-ITU meetings, 19–21 March 2024, online meeting
3^rd APT Preparatory meeting for WTSA-24 (APT WTSA24-3), April 2024, Cambodia (exact dates and location to be confirmed)
3^rd ATU Preparatory meeting for WTSA-24, 15–19 April 2024, location to be confirmed
NETmundial+10 meeting, 29—30 April 2024 in São Paulo, Brazil
Com-ITU meetings, 7–9 May 2024, Gdansk, Poland (hybrid)
3^rd WGCONF Preparatory meeting for WTSA during the 44^th Meeting of PCC.I, 20–24 May 2024, Panama City, Panama

WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event, 27–31 May 2024, Geneva Switzerland
4^th APT Preparatory meeting for WTSA-24 (APT WTSA24-4), 25–28 June 2024, Australia (location to be confirmed)
4^th ATU Preparatory meeting for WTSA-24, 12–16 August 2024, location to be confirmed
4^th WGCONF Preparatory meeting for WTSA-24 during the 45^th Meeting of PCC.I, 19–23 August 2024, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
5^th APT Preparatory meeting for WTSA-24 (APT WTSA-24-5), 19–23 August 2024, Bangkok, Thailand
Meeting of the WGCONF during WTSA-24, 15–24 October 2024, New Delhi, India
WTSA-24, 15–24 October 2024, New Delhi, India
19^th Internet Governance Forum (IGF), 15—19 December 2024, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

People’s ability to build the Internet as a uniquely universal platform that uses the same standards in every country so everyone can interact with everyone else is one of the most spectacular and hopeful success stories of our time.

We must continue to work to clear away complications and open doors for everyone to have their voices heard regarding how Internet policies are developed.

Learn How We Are Defending the Multistakeholder Model

Woman in green and black scarf giving a speech at a conference.

We must continue to work to clear away complications and open doors for everyone to have their voices heard regarding how Internet policies are developed.

Learn How We Are Defending the Multistakeholder Model