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

Learning to Build and Use the Internet in Rhino Refugee Camp

Connectivity in Uganda’s Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement is unreliable and expensive, limiting access to education, healthcare, and employment.We partnered with …

Multistakeholder Internet Security

This webinar, co-hosted by the Internet Society and the U.S. Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI), brings together a panel of alumni …

Remarks Provided During the IMSB-Led Virtual Stakeholder Consultation on WSIS+20 Rev 2

Read the remarks provided by Israel Rosas during the IMSB-Led Virtual Stakeholder Consultation on WSIS+20 Rev 2 held on 8 …

Why the UN’s Next Decision on Internet Governance Matters for Everyone 

If you include the best expertise from across disciplines and regions in the decision-making process, you can solve hard problems.Hear …

Emerging Digital Technologies and Their Impact on Policy and Regulation in the Middle East and North Africa

This report examines the impact of current and proposed policies and regulations on emerging technologies in the Middle East and …

Moving the Needle on Universal and Meaningful Access 

The latest International Telecommunication Union connectivity statistics remind us how much progress we’ve made and how far we still have …

Policy Brief: Age Restrictions and Online Safety

While often well-intentioned, policies requiring age checks create risks for people’s privacy, security, and access to an open Internet.  …

Building an Internet for Everyone: Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities 

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that our vision of an Internet for everyone can only become …

Policy Brief: Licensing Approaches for Community-Centered Connectivity

Discover how community-centered connectivity solutions empower underserved areas. Explore updated licensing options and principles for meaningful connectivity today …

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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