Internet Policy

Policies can either improve the Internet or harm it for us all.

Policies can either improve the Internet or harm it for us all.

Under pressure from social challenges and business interests, governments’ efforts to regulate various aspects of the Internet are intensifying worldwide. But even well-meaning policies can undermine the Internet’s global nature and core infrastructure—by design or by accident.

The Internet works best for everyone when the technical community and civil society are at the decision-making table. We help governments make informed decisions by educating policymakers on how the Internet actually works.

Internet Policy

Policies can either improve the Internet or harm it for us all.

people sitting on a hillside, focused on a cell phone

Under pressure from social challenges and business interests, governments’ efforts to regulate various aspects of the Internet are intensifying worldwide. But even well-meaning policies can undermine the Internet’s global nature and core infrastructure—by design or by accident.

The Internet works best for everyone when the technical community and civil society are at the decision-making table. We help governments make informed decisions by educating policymakers on how the Internet actually works.

Key Internet Policy Links

Key Internet Policy Links

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How Policymakers Run the Internet

Internet policy is shaped by a global ecosystem of legislators, regulators, international organizations, civil society groups, and technical and policy experts.

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Understanding Internet Intermediaries

Internet intermediaries are crucial to the Internet’s existence. Read our policy framework for Internet intermediaries and content.

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Promoting Internet Governance

The Internet works best when it is governed by many. We advocate for a multistakeholder approach to Internet governance, where all interested actors can participate.

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Influencing Policy in the Courts

Our Amicus Program gives the Internet a voice in courts worldwide, where legal decisions, interpretations, and regulations affect the functioning of the Internet.

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How to Advocate for the Internet

It’s up to all of us to protect and defend what the Internet needs to exist and thrive. Learn more about what you can do to make a difference.

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Keeping the Internet Open

Any policy or decision that undermines the open, global, interoperable nature of the Internet contributes to fragmentation.

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Keeping the Internet Secure

Encryption empowers people and keeps them safe online. It is a vital tool for protecting ourselves in a digital society.

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Connecting People to the Internet

We help craft and promote policies for different regulatory and legislative bodies that enable people to connect to the Internet.

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Analyze a Law Proposal

Explore our toolkit to learn more about building strong arguments to defend the Internet and assessing how policies may impact it.

Encryption Protects Everyone

Encryption Protects Everyone

We organized a workshop in Brussels for civil society organizations to explore legislative threats to encryption and to develop joint policy strategies to help reach and inform policymakers about the importance of encryption for everyday users.

Hear from the participants about their experience and why they are passionate about advocating for strong encryption.

Latest Updates

Latest Updates

“Fair Share” and the Digital Networks Act (DNA): Three Concerns 

A critical look at the first draft of the Digital Networks Act, examining what it says, the assumptions it reflects, …

Navigating Data Governance, Privacy, Intermediary Liability, and Encryption in the Rapidly Digitalizing MENA 

As MENA continues its rapid technological development, governments must shape digital policies that support innovation, investment, and an open Internet …

APRICOT 2026

The Internet Society has been a key supporter of APRICOT over the years, particularly its capacity-building and training programs. Join …

TechSequences Podcast: Dual Crisis: The Splintering of the Open Internet

In the TechSequences podcast, our President and CEO, Sally Wentworth, talked about what’s at stake if we don’t protect the …

Encryption Making Africa Safer: Internet Society Hosts Encryption Advocacy Workshop for African Civil Society

In September 2025, the Internet Society organized its first-ever Africa Cybersecurity (Encryption) Advocacy Workshop in Windhoek, Namibia, held alongside the …

WSIS+20 Reaffirms Multistakeholder Governance and a Lasting IGF

The outcome document of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 review reaffirms a commitment to the conditions that have …

Policy Brief: Interconnection and Regulated Traffic Obligations

This policy brief examines the growing pressure to regulate the relationships between online services and telecommunications operators …

Statement on behalf of the Internet Society at WSIS+20 HLM

Delivered on 17 December 2025 at the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the overall review of the implementation …

Briefing: Online Safety Act 2023

The Internet Society and the UK Chapter shared the online brief with various parties involved in a Parliamentary Hearing on …

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© Nyani Quarmyne, © Flawless Events, © Jordi Ruiz Cirera, © Flawless Events, creative commons, © Chris Gregory, © Nyani Quarmyne, © Wharton Image, © Internet Society, © Frederic Courbet/Panos Pictures