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.

Read the Blog Post

Latest Updates

Latest Updates

ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026
Events

ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026

We are actively engaged in the lead-up to PP-26 to ensure that outcomes protect the open, globally interoperable Internet, and …
Three women sit on the grass outside
Blog

Community-Centered Connectivity Initiatives Earn Viddy Awards Recognition

Our global community works tirelessly to expand connectivity, educate users, and build the Internet we want—an Internet for everyone. We …
A gray ethernet cable on a gray background
Blog

Zombie IXPs: The Four Types of Exchanges That Refuse to Die, but Fail to Live

Zombie IXPs are operating on autopilot, with little planning, investment, or new peers. But they don’t all look the same, and can emerge from different governance models and challenges …
Defend the Open Internet in the EU
Open Letters

Defend the Open Internet in the EU

We call on EU co-legislators to ensure that the final Digital Networks Act delivers an EU telecoms framework that promotes …
ISOC Day at Africa Internet Summit
Events

ISOC Day at Africa Internet Summit

Join us at the the Africa Internet Summit (AIS) on 26 June where we will host ISOC Day and showcase …
Two men in yellow vests mount a network antenna on a roof.
Blog

The Shift in Peering Threatening the Internet’s Foundations

As more Internet service providers become virtual peering partners, they begin neglecting Internet exchange points …
People stand outdoors celebrating the completion of the Internet hub in the Siripi zone, waving at the camera.
Blog

From Email to Case Study: What We Learned About Connecting Refugee Communities in Just One Year 

In Uganda’s Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, we helped train refugees and community members to use the Internet and build their …
Community-Centered Connectivity in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, Uganda
Resources

Community-Centered Connectivity in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Internet Society and partners empower Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement in Uganda with community‑owned connectivity, digital skills, and sustainable inclusion …
A man sets up Internet infrastructure outside
Blog

Local Infrastructure, Lower Costs: How Peering Is Moving the Needle on Internet Affordability

Local infrastructure impacts Internet affordability for users: if the cost is lower and speed and reliability are higher, providers can …

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