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

Internet Society Appoints Raegan MacDonald as Vice President of Global Advocacy and Internet Policy
NewsPress ReleasesPress Releases

Internet Society Appoints Raegan MacDonald as Vice President of Global Advocacy and Internet Policy

The Internet Society announced the appointment of Raegan MacDonald as its new Vice President of Global Advocacy and Internet Policy, …
World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026
Events

World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026

Internet Society will attend the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, …
Non-Paper on WSIS+20 Implementation
Resources

Non-Paper on WSIS+20 Implementation

When executed well, the WSIS framework has the potential to effectively extend connectivity, close digital divides, and enhance online safety …
A high-up view of Caracas, Venezuela.
Blog

Connectivity Is a Lifeline in Venezuela’s Humanitarian Emergency

In emergency scenarios such as the earthquake in Venezuela, connectivity can be lifesaving. Communication and real-time updates are critical …
A gray lock lies open on a white keyboard.
Blog

Solving Crime Without Breaking Encryption

Policymakers often face a dangerous dilemma: preserve privacy and security for everyone, or break encryption so law enforcement can catch …
Global Encryption Day 2026
Events

Global Encryption Day 2026

On Global Encryption Day, join efforts to defend end-to-end encryption, protect digital safety, and push back against government attempts to …
Justin Lisisa Lobela at his residence in one of the village zones in Rhino Camp
BlogStories

From Refugee to Digital Leader: How Justin Is Helping to Connect Rhino Camp

Justin Lisisa Lobela’s story reflects how community-centered connectivity can create pathways for education and self-reliance for displaced communities …
Two hands hold a phone playing a soccer match.
Blog

The World Cup of Internet Resilience

While the best football team will win the FIFA World Cup, how does your country compare in the World Cup …
Infographic titled “Data access policy proposals and their impact on the open, globally connected, trustworthy, and secure Internet.” The graphic is divided into two sections. The upper green section, marked with a thumbs-up icon, is labeled “Does not interfere with the technical foundations of the Internet” and states that these approaches enable effective investigations without weakening encryption. It lists five recommended investigative methods: (1) User reporting, (2) Undercover investigation techniques, (3) Voluntary cooperation, (4) Analysis of metadata, and (5) Forensics on seized devices. Each item includes a brief description and a thumbs-up symbol. An upward arrow on the left indicates stronger protection of the Internet’s technical foundations. The lower red section, marked with a thumbs-down icon, is labeled “Interferes with the technical foundations of the Internet” and states that these approaches create systemic risks that can be exploited. It lists three measures: (6) Remote forensic software, (7) Client-side scanning, and (8) Mandated backdoors. Each item includes a brief description and a thumbs-down symbol. A downward red arrow on the left indicates increasing harm to the Internet’s technical foundations. The overall message is that some investigative techniques can support law enforcement while preserving encryption and Internet security, whereas others weaken encryption or create systemic vulnerabilities that undermine the Internet’s security and trustworthiness.
Policy BriefsResources

Policy Brief: Solving Crime Without Breaking Encryption

Protecting strong encryption is not an obstacle to public safety, child protection, or crime prevention. It is a prerequisite for …

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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